The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has withdrawn the criminal charges filed against senior advocate, Mike Ozekhome, over alleged forgery.
The development was announced on Tuesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama division.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed Justice Peter Kekemeke that the Attorney General had resolved to take a holistic review of the matter to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Following the application — which was not opposed by the defence team led by Paul Erokoro (SAN) — the court struck out the three-count charge.
Ozekhome had been arraigned on allegations of forgery, fraud and use of false documents in a case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Prosecutors alleged that the senior lawyer knowingly received a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, which he claimed was gifted to him, and subsequently used a forged Nigerian passport in support of that claim.
The prosecution argued that the actions contravened provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the FCT Penal Code.
On January 29, 2026, Oyedepo notified the court that the AGF had taken over the prosecution pursuant to Section 174 of the Constitution, which empowers the Attorney General to institute, take over or discontinue criminal proceedings.
He explained that the decision was made in collaboration with the ICPC to ensure the prosecution met standards of effectiveness, diligence and due process, guided by public interest considerations and the need to strengthen confidence in the justice system.
After assuming control of the matter, the AGF’s office opted to withdraw the charge entirely.
Justice Kekemeke subsequently granted the application, striking out the case.
The withdrawal effectively brings an end — for now — to the high-profile prosecution of the senior advocate, pending any further action by the Attorney General’s office following its review.