AGF Gets Court’s Nod To Review ICPC’s Alleged Fraud Charges Against Ozekhome

By Olakunle Olasanmi, Abuja

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagnemi, SAN, has been given the go-ahead by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to review the case file against Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related offences Commission (ICPC).

The case has, however, been adjourned to February 24.

The AGF, who took over prosecution of the charges on Monday, said he needed time to go thoroughly the case file and take a well-informed decision.

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

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

At this point, the Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced his 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 (as amended) 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 effect, 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 takeover of the trial by the AGF Office.

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

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

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