The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the move by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to investigate Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, following a September 11, 2025, United Kingdom property tribunal judgment involving Ozekhome and the late General Jeremiah Useni over a disputed London property.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko described the AGF’s declaration as “unnecessary hysteria,” calling it unconstitutional, illegal, and a dangerous witch-hunt against one of Nigeria’s most consistent voices of truth to power.
The group questioned the rationale behind reopening a matter already adjudicated by a foreign court, especially when no element of criminal liability was established against Ozekhome.
“Why should a concluded civil matter in the UK now become grounds for a Nigerian probe under the guise of professional misconduct?” HURIWA queried. “If there was no criminal indictment, this is nothing but persecution.”
HURIWA expressed concern over what it called a growing pattern of government agencies targeting Nigerians who have faced legal disputes abroad, while ignoring more pressing domestic issues.
“Why has the Nigerian government not shown similar enthusiasm in addressing the damning declaration by a Canadian Federal High Court that both the APC and PDP are terrorist organisations?” the group asked. “Where was this hysteria from the AGF or ICPC over that global embarrassment?”
Citing documents and testimonies from the UK tribunal proceedings, HURIWA noted that Ozekhome’s link to the property was through a valid transfer executed by the late General Useni.
“The tribunal judge acknowledged that it was Ozekhome, not the applicants, who produced the historical title documents,” HURIWA stated. “Whether or not one agrees with the tribunal’s verdict, it has been delivered — and it is unheard of for the Nigerian government to revisit such a matter outside its jurisdiction.”
The rights group further alleged that the renewed probe was being instigated by some senior lawyers close to the AGF who feel threatened by Ozekhome’s independence and public influence.
“This so-called verification and re-investigation by the AGF and ICPC is a coordinated effort to silence a fearless advocate,” HURIWA alleged. “It is mob action by other means.”
HURIWA reminded the AGF that his office exists to defend the rule of law and ensure fairness — not to intimidate dissenting voices.
“To what end is this probe? To smear Ozekhome’s name? Strip him of his SAN rank? Or simply silence him?” the group asked. “Nigerians and the world are watching.”
The association called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) to resist any attempt to weaponize disciplinary processes against outspoken lawyers.
HURIWA urged the AGF to focus on tackling systemic issues such as judicial corruption, undue political influence, and chronic underfunding — challenges already identified by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun — rather than orchestrating selective persecution.
“Chief Mike Ozekhome cannot be sacrificed on the altar of professional jealousy and political intimidation,” HURIWA warned. “This probe is a travesty that must be abandoned immediately. Nigeria’s legal profession must not descend into mob rule.”
