AGF Assumes Prosecution of Mike Ozekhome in London Property Fraud Case

Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation has formally stepped in to take over the prosecution of Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chief Mike Ozekhome, assuming control of a three‑count charge alleging corrupt practices and forgery linked to a London property located at 79 Randall Avenue, NW2 7SX.

The handover prompted the FCT High Court in Maitama to shift the scheduled arraignment to 24 February 2026, allowing the AGF’s legal team time to review the case.

Core Allegations

The charge, originally filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) under suit number FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, accuses Ozekhome of:

• Knowingly receiving the London property from one “Shani Tali” in August 2021 while aware the transaction constituted a felony under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
• Presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, before the UK’s London First‑Tier Tribunal to support his claim of ownership.

Ownership Background

According to the ICPC, the property originally belonged to a deceased Nigerian client of Ozekhome.
As the lawyer managing the estate, Ozekhome handled post‑mortem legal matters related to the home.
The prosecution alleges he later claimed or facilitated ownership transfer of the property to himself or affiliated interests, supported by allegedly forged documents tendered during the UK proceedings.

The case focuses on whether Ozekhome improperly benefited from his role in administering the estate.

Court Proceedings

At Monday’s hearing, Rotimi Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecution, appeared for the AGF and confirmed that the Attorney-General was assuming conduct under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He said the intervention was to ensure a lawful, professional and coordinated prosecution.

ICPC counsel Osuobeni Akponimisingha raised no objection.
Ozekhome is represented by former AGF Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Justice U.P. Kekemeke approved the AGF’s takeover and adjourned the arraignment to 24 February.

Significance

The AGF’s involvement reflects a long‑established federal prerogative to assume control of high‑profile or sensitive prosecutions.
With Ozekhome being one of Nigeria’s most prominent constitutional lawyers and human rights advocates, the case has drawn considerable public interest.

The matter remains at the pre‑arraignment stage and Ozekhome has not made any public comment on the takeover or the allegations.