Explainer: What the Criminal Charge Against Mike Ozekhome Means

The Federal Government has filed a criminal charge against Chief Mike Ozekhome, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in relation to a property dispute involving a building in the United Kingdom. The case is currently before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. What is the case about? According to court documents filed by the Federal Government through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the charge relates to allegations of forgery and the use of documents said to be false in connection with ownership claims over a UK property. The government alleges that documents presented to a UK property tribunal were not genuine. These allegations form the basis of the criminal counts filed in Nigeria. Has any court reached a decision? No. At this stage, the case is in pre-trial proceedings. The filing of a charge does not amount to a finding of guilt. Under Nigerian law, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until a court of competent jurisdiction rules otherwise. What offences are alleged? The charge reportedly contains three counts, including: Alleged forgery of documents Alleged provision of false information Alleged use of documents said to be forged The prosecution says these acts, if proven, would constitute offences under applicable Nigerian laws, including the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the Penal Code of the Federal Capital Territory. What happens next? The matter is expected to come up for mention once it is assigned to a trial judge. At that stage, the defendant will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations, and the court will determine how the case proceeds. Why is it being reported Cases involving senior legal practitioners often attract public interest because of their professional standing. However, legal experts stress the importance of allowing the judicial process to run its course without prejudice. Key legal principle It is important to note that: The allegations are claims by the prosecution, not established facts No conviction has been recorded The court will decide the matter based on the evidence presented by both sides