The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has faulted the plan by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to probe Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, over a United Kingdom property tribunal judgment, describing the move as unconstitutional and a breach of due process.
In a statement signed on Monday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group condemned what it called “an unnecessary hysteria and a dangerous witch-hunt” against one of Nigeria’s most outspoken legal minds.
The AGF had reportedly declared his office’s intention to investigate the September 11, 2025, judgment by a UK property tribunal involving Ozekhome and the late General Jeremiah Useni over a disputed London property.
HURIWA said the declaration amounted to reopening a matter already adjudicated by a competent foreign tribunal, stressing that no element of criminal liability was established against Ozekhome during the proceedings.
“Why should a matter conclusively decided abroad suddenly become a subject of professional misconduct in Nigeria? This is nothing but an unconstitutional attempt to intimidate a lawyer whose only offence is speaking truth to power,” HURIWA queried.
The group said the growing tendency of Nigerian authorities to target citizens after they face legal or civil issues abroad was disturbing, noting that the same level of enthusiasm had not been shown in more serious national matters.
“Why is there no equal zeal from the AGF or ICPC to investigate the Canadian Federal Court’s declaration that both the APC and PDP are terrorist organisations? Instead, we see a selective frenzy to diminish the integrity of one of Nigeria’s most consistent voices of reason,” HURIWA asked.
According to the group, documents from the UK tribunal proceedings revealed that Ozekhome’s link to the London property stemmed from a valid transfer executed by the late General Useni.
It is alleged that the renewed move to discredit the senior advocate was being pushed by a clique of senior lawyers close to the AGF who feel threatened by Ozekhome’s independence and influence.
“This so-called verification and re-investigation smacks of a coordinated effort to silence a dissenting voice. It is mob action by other means,” the group said.
The rights body urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) to resist any attempt to weaponise disciplinary processes against outspoken members of the legal profession.
It called on the AGF to redirect his focus towards addressing systemic problems confronting the judiciary, including corruption, undue political interference, and chronic underfunding—issues already highlighted by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
“Chief Mike Ozekhome cannot be sacrificed on the altar of professional jealousy or political intimidation. This probe is a travesty and must be abandoned immediately,” HURIWA lamented.
