A dramatic twist has ensued in the alleged criminal case filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) againstĀ a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Amobi Godwin Ogah.
Tension rose between the Abia federal lawmaker and his legal team during proceedings before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, where a case of alleged forgery is being heard.
When the matter came up before Justice Halilu Yusuf, Ogah, who represents the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, rejected the appearance of Bar V.C. Ifacho from Chambers of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN).
The development added a dramatic dimension to a case that has already attracted considerable attention because of the allegations contained in the criminal charge against the federal lawmaker and his previous remand in Kuje Prison, following a court order.
During the courtroom episode, OgahĀ faulted the legal representation being provided byĀ Agabi to represent him in the case on the grounds that the case is a serious matter
Ogah also cited financial resources he had committed to his legal representation and expressed dissatisfaction that a junior lawyer appeared in court on behalf of the ex-AGF to handle sensitive matter.
The federal lawmaker further boasted about his level of influence which he claimed to enjoy within the Nigerian judicial and political establishment.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of Charge No. CR/650/2024, in which the Federal Government accused the lawmaker of offences relating to alleged false declaration, perjury and injurious falsehood involving former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha.
The prosecution’s case arose from statements allegedly contained in an affidavit sworn to by Ogah in May 2023.
According to the charge, one of the allegations attributed to OgahĀ was that Onyejeocha had told supporters that she had ābought overā members of an election tribunal, including Justice Halima Saleeman.
The prosecution contends that the declaration was false and constituted an offence under the relevant provisions of the Penal Code.
Another count concerns an allegation that Onyejeocha was responsible for the removal of a former chairman of the election petitions panel and that the change was intended to pave the way for Justice Halima Saleeman, whom the lawmaker allegedly claimed she knew personally.
But the prosecution maintains that the statement was false and defamatory.
Count five specifically alleges that Ogah made a false declaration against Onyejeocha with the intention of damaging her reputation.
The charge states that the alleged conduct occurred within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court in Abuja and amounted to an offence contrary to Section 393 of the Penal Code.
But Ogah has denied wrongdoing in the matter, while the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
The case had earlier taken a dramatic turn in June 2026 when the lawmaker was arrested pursuant to a court order and subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Yusuf Halilu had ordered his detention, with the matter initially adjourned for further proceedings.
A committal order dated June 24, 2026, identified the case as Charge No. CR/650/2024 and directed that the lawmaker remain in custody pending the next date of proceedings.
The prosecution’s allegations stem from the 2023 political contest involving Onyejeocha and the subsequent legal battles surrounding the election.
The case has been adjourned to October 6, 2026 for further hearing of the matter.
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