AGF Takes Over Ozekhome’s Forgery Case From ICPC Amidst Controversy

By - LCR 26 January 2026 Comments (0) 3 Mins Read

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has taken over the criminal case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

The takeover stalled Ozekhome’s planned arraignment before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on a three-count charge filed by the ICPC, in which he is accused, among other allegations, of forgery.

At the court proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), announced that he was appearing on behalf of the Attorney General and informed the court of the decision to assume control of the prosecution from the ICPC. Oyedepo said the Attorney General acted pursuant to the powers conferred on his office under Section 174 of the Constitution.

Counsel for the ICPC, Osuebeni Akpomisingha, raised no objection to the takeover of the case. Likewise, counsel to the defendant, former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who led a defence team comprising 15 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, did not oppose the move.

Following an application for adjournment by Oyedepo, which was also not opposed by Agabi, the presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, adjourned the matter until February 24 for arraignment.

The forfeiture proceedings stemmed from an ex parte application filed in late 2025 by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which sought an interim forfeiture and preservation order, alleging that the property was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity. On November 28, Justice Binta Nyako granted the interim forfeiture order and directed the CCB to advertise it in a national newspaper within 14 days to allow any interested party to come forward and establish legitimate ownership.

The disputed property, located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, was listed in proceedings involving Ozekhome and the late Useni, a retired Lieutenant-General. The matter was also filed before the UK First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration under case number ref/2023/0155, with Tali Shani named as the applicant and Ozekhome as the respondent.

Competing claims were made over the ownership of the property. Ozekhome said he received the house as a gift from “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021, while lawyers representing “Ms Tali Shani” maintained that she was the rightful owner. A witness identified as “Mr Tali Shani” testified in support of Ozekhome, claiming he had powers of attorney over the property and had transferred it to him. He further claimed ownership of the property from 1993 and said he later appointed Useni as his property manager, describing him as an “elder friend and business partner”.

In contrast, witnesses for “Ms Tali Shani” tendered several documents, including an obituary announcement, National Identification Number card, ECOWAS passport and phone number, to support her claim of ownership. However, the tribunal found the documents to be fake and subsequently dismissed all claims, ruling that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed.