The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Monday, assumed control of the criminal case against senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN), previously filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Ozekhome’s scheduled arraignment before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court was delayed after the AGF’s office formally took over the matter.
At the hearing, the Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), announced he was representing the AGF and cited Section 174 of the Constitution as the basis for the takeover.
Neither ICPC’s counsel, Osuebeni Akpomisingha, nor Ozekhome’s defence team led by former AGF Kanu Agabi (SAN), objected. Justice Peter Kekemeke adjourned the case to February 24 for arraignment.
Meanwhile, a related property dispute continues in Abuja. The Federal High Court had scheduled January 26 to decide on the final forfeiture of a London property linked to the late former FCT Minister, Jeremiah Useni. The case stems from an application filed in late 2025 by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which alleged the property was acquired through unlawful means.
Justice Binta Nyako had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order on November 28, directing the CCB to publish notices inviting anyone with legitimate claims to the property to come forward. The property, located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, is at the center of a dispute involving Ozekhome and Useni.
The matter was also heard at the UK’s First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) under case number ref/2023/0155, with Tali Shani listed as applicant and Ozekhome as respondent. Ozekhome claimed he received the house as a gift from “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021, while lawyers for “Ms Tali Shani” argued she was the rightful owner.
Testimony from “Mr Tali Shani” supported Ozekhome, asserting he had power of attorney and transferred the property to him. He further claimed ownership dating back to 1993 and said Useni acted as his property manager. However, documents presented by “Ms Shani”, including passports, ID cards, and other records, were found to be fake.
The tribunal ultimately dismissed all claims, ruling that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed.
 and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Monday, assumed control of the criminal case){kind=link}