The Coalition of Geopolitical Youth Associations of Nigeria and Civil Society Organisations has expressed outrage, disappointment and categorical rejection of what it described as unjust criminalisation of a matter fundamentally involving Prof Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Amb. Olasunkanmi Kolawole, President of the North Central Youths Assembly of Nigeria; Dr. Isah Abubakar, President of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria; and Comrade Tochukwu Okoye, President of the Concerned Ndibo Youth Movement of Nigeria.

Others included: Activist Olamilekan Oladimeji, President of the Odu’a Youth Parliament; Malam Lukman Lawal, National Coordinator of the Youth Alliance for National Transformation; and Comrade Alabi Akeem Abiodun, National Coordinator of Nigeria Youth Advocacy for Good Governance.

“We are deeply concerned by the actions of the Attorney General of the Federation, using the instrumentality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in pursuing a criminal prosecution over a property gift transaction reportedly intended for registration in London.

“This is an issue that every reasonable legal standard falls within the realm of civil dispute resolution.

“They said that transformation of such a matter into a criminal prosecution raises serious questions about proportionality, fairness, and adherence to due process.

“It sends a troubling signal to Nigerians and the international community that legal interpretation may be stretched beyond reason in matters that require civil adjudication, not criminal sanction, especially as the UK adjudicatory tribunal found Prof. Ozekhome, blameless in its judgment,” the signatories stated.

The group stressed that Prof. Ozekhome is not just a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, “he is a towering symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle and evolution.

“For decades, he has stood fearlessly against military dictatorship, constitutional infractions, executive recklessness, and human rights violations.

“His sacrifices, both personal and professional, have helped shape Nigeria’s legal and democratic jurisprudence and strengthened the rule of law.

“It is therefore most painful and highly unacceptable that a man whose legacy is intertwined with Nigeria’s democratic struggles could be subjected to what appears to be a needless and avoidable prosecution,” it stated.

The group, however, acknowledged the intervention of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, for assuming later oversight of the matter, adding that oversight alone is not enough.

“We, as well as most Nigerians, had expected him to terminate the proceedings that appear targeted at him alone since none of the other lawyers mentioned in the case has been arraigned.

“In the interest of justice, national unity, and institutional credibility, we demand immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the charges.

“We call on the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers under Section 174 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to discontinue this needless prosecution forthwith. Justice delayed in this context is justice denied.

“Prosecutorial powers must never be used in a manner that blurs the line between civil and criminal jurisprudence. We demand a clear reaffirmation of this distinction to prevent future abuse,” the group stated.