AGF Withdraws ICPC’s Criminal Case Against Mike Ozekhome

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) has withdrawn the criminal case filed against legal practitioner, Mike Ozekhome, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), announced the development on Tuesday before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama.

Oyedepo informed the court that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) had decided to take over and withdraw the case in order to conduct a holistic review and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Following the application, which was not opposed by the defence team led by Paul Erokoro (SAN), Justice Peter Kekemeke struck out the three-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and other offences against Ozekhome.

The DPPF had earlier, on January 29, notified the court of the AGF’s decision to assume control of the prosecution from the ICPC, acting under powers conferred by Section 174 of the Constitution and in collaboration with the anti-corruption agency.

According to Oyedepo, the takeover was guided by public interest and the need to ensure the highest standards of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence, and due process in the prosecution of cases. He added that inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption also informed the decision.

He assured the court that the rights of the defendant would be protected and that no party would suffer injustice.

The AGF’s office is expected to retrieve the case file from the ICPC, review it, and determine the next line of action.

Source: The Nation