The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has authorised Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to review the case file relating to fraud charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
Following the court’s approval, Ozekhome’s arraignment, earlier scheduled for Monday, has been adjourned to February 24.
The Attorney-General, who took over the prosecution on Monday, told the court that additional time was required to examine the case file in order to take an informed decision.
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At the proceedings, Akpomesingha Akpos, Head of the ICPC’s High-Profile Prosecution Department announced his appearance for the prosecution.
Kanu Agabi, SAN, Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, alongside 15 other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, appeared for the defendant.
Also appearing, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF),informed Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Attorney-General’s decision to take over the case from the ICPC.
Oyedepo explained that the decision was taken pursuant to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and was aimed at working with the ICPC to ensure effective prosecution and compliance with due process.
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He added that the decision was guided by public interest and the need to promote fairness and confidence in the criminal justice system, assuring the court that the defendant’s rights would be protected and that no party would suffer prejudice.
The DPPF further stated that inter-agency cooperation informed the decision and urged the court to take judicial notice of the takeover of the prosecution by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The Attorney-General subsequently sought an adjournment to enable his office retrieve and review the case file from the ICPC before determining the next course of action.
Counsel to the ICPC raised no objection to the takeover and assured the court of the commission’s cooperation, noting that it conducted the investigation.
By agreement of all parties, Justice Kekemeke adjourned the matter to February 24 for arraignment.
