The Federal Government on Tuesday withdrew the forgery charge filed against senior lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, prompting a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, to strike out the case.
Justice Peter Kekemeke dismissed the charge after the prosecution formally applied to discontinue the matter.
The case, originally filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), arose from issues connected to a London court judgment involving a property said to belong to the late former FCT Minister, General Jeremiah Useni.
At an earlier sitting scheduled for arraignment, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had moved to take over the prosecution, citing the need for effective handling of the matter.
When proceedings resumed on Tuesday, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who appeared for the Federal Government, informed the court that after a review of the case file, the AGF had directed that the charge be withdrawn.
He explained that the decision was taken pursuant to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), adding that the withdrawal was for “further instruction.”
Counsel to the defendant, Chief Paul Erokoro, SAN, told the court that the defence had no objection to the application.
Delivering a brief ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that since the application was not opposed, it was duly granted.
The court consequently struck out the charge against Ozekhome.
FG Withdraws Forgery Charge Against Ozekhome, FCT Court Dismisses Case
