The Federal Government has filed fresh criminal charges against Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, over the alleged use of a forged Nigerian passport in connection with a disputed property matter in the United Kingdom.
The charges were filed on Tuesday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
According to court documents, the federal government brought a 12-count charge against Ozekhome. The allegations center on claims that he used a forged Nigerian passport during proceedings related to a property dispute in the UK.
Details of the specific counts were not immediately made public. However, the charges reportedly relate to allegations of forgery, false representation and related offences under applicable laws.
Ozekhome is a prominent constitutional lawyer and has been involved in several high-profile legal and political cases in Nigeria. The filing of fresh charges marks a significant development in the matter.
It was not immediately clear whether the new charge replaces or supplements any earlier legal proceedings. Court officials confirmed that the case has been entered before the FCT High Court, where it is expected to proceed in line with criminal procedure rules.
As of the time of reporting, Ozekhome had not publicly responded to the charges. His legal representatives are also yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations.
Under Nigerian law, criminal charges filed in court require the prosecution to present evidence to substantiate the claims. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Legal analysts note that cases involving allegations of forged travel documents can carry serious legal consequences if proven. Convictions for forgery-related offences may attract penalties including fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity and applicable statutes.
The federal government has not released additional details about the alleged forged passport, including when it was purportedly used or how it was detected.
The matter is expected to come up for arraignment, during which the charges will be read in court and the defendant will be required to enter a plea.
Further proceedings will determine whether the case proceeds to full trial. Observers are likely to monitor the case closely given Ozekhome’s standing within the legal profession and his prominence in national discourse.
The development adds to ongoing legal actions involving high-profile figures in Nigeria, as authorities continue to pursue cases related to alleged document falsification and other offences.
Court dates for the next hearing are expected to be announced in due course.
