AGF gets court backing to review ICPC fraud allegations against Ozekhome

By Kayode Lawal.

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

Consequently, the arraignment of the legal luminary and Constitutional lawyer, slated for Monday has been shifted to February 24.

The AGF who took over prosecution of the charges on Monday said that 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 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, adding that inter-agency cooperation to fight corruption was also considered by the OAGF.

He therefore asked the court to take judicial notice of the take over of the trial by the AGF Office.

The AGF therefore sought adjournment to enable his office 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.