Court okays AGF’s takeover of Ozekhome’s alleged ICPC fraud case

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has allowed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to review the case file of the fraud charges filed against Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC).

As a result, the scheduled arraignment of the prominent legal practitioner, which was set for Monday, has been postponed to February 24.

The AGF, who took over the prosecution of the case on Monday, said he needed time to study the file thoroughly before making a well-informed decision on the next steps.

During Monday’s proceedings, the Head, High Profile Prosecution Department of ICPC, Dr Osuebeni Akpomesingha Akpos, announced appearance for the prosecution.

A former AGF and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, SAN, and 15 other SANs announced appearance for the defendant, Ozekhome.

Subsequently, the Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced appearance on behalf of the AGF and informed Justice Peter Kekemeke of the decision of the AGF to take over the case from ICPC.

He said that the decision was pursuant to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and to collaborate with the ICPC to ensure that the prosecution meets the highest standard of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence and compliance with due process of law.

The DPPF further told the court that the decision was also guided by public interest and to instil confidence, fairness and competence in the criminal justice.

He assured the court that the right of the defendant will be protected and that no party will be made to suffer any adverse effects, adding that inter-agency cooperation to fight corruption was also considered by the Office of the AGF.

He therefore asked the court to take judicial notice of the take over of the trial by the AGF.

The AGF therefore sought adjournment to enable his office retrieve the case file from the ICPC to thoroughly review it and take the next line of action.

The ICPC lawyer did not object to the takeover and promised that the Commission will cooperate fully with the AGF, being the agency that investigated the matter.

By consensus of the lawyers, Justice Peter Kekemeke fixed February 24 for arraignment.

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