A defence lawyer on Thursday told a Magistrate Court in Abuja that the certificate forgery case against AMAC Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, had already been terminated by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
The disclosure followed a counter affidavit filed by Maikalangu’s counsel, Barr. Charles Okoye, challenging Magistrate Abdullahi Ilelah’s jurisdiction to hear a fresh Direct Criminal Complaint filed by APC chieftain Awalu Tanko Mohammed in Suit No. AB/CR/DUT/324/2025.
Okoye stated that the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), after reviewing the FCT Police CID’s investigation, found the certificate forgery claim baseless and unsustainable in any court of law.
“No concrete evidence was attached to the petition to warrant prosecution,” the affidavit stated. “Following the DPPF’s report, the AGF’s office terminated the matter in accordance with its constitutional powers.”
Okoye argued that any attempt by the court to revive or entertain the complaint would amount to an affront to the constitutional authority of the AGF, as provided under the 1999 Constitution.
He also reminded the court that the same forgery allegation—centered on Maikalangu’s primary school leaving certificate—was previously dismissed by the AMAC Election Petition Tribunal in 2022 for lack of merit.
“Masquerading the same allegation under any guise is nothing but an abuse of judicial process and a waste of this honourable court’s time,” Okoye added.
At Thursday’s sitting, Maikalangu was absent due to a scheduled medical check-up at the National Hospital, Abuja. His counsel tendered a letter explaining his absence and sought an adjournment.
Counsel to the complainant, Mr. Job Peter Israel, did not oppose the application but cast doubt on the authenticity of the medical report presented.
Magistrate Ilelah subsequently adjourned the matter to May 23, 2025, for either arraignment or mention, depending on developments before the next court date.
The case is being closely watched due to its potential political implications in the nation’s capital, where Maikalangu remains a key figure.
