Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has been accused of deploying the prosecutorial powers of his office against House of Representatives member Amobi Godwin Ogah in a criminal case allegedly linked to a political dispute involving Fagbemi’s former private client, raising fresh concerns over conflict of interest and abuse of office.
According to documents cited in the report, Fagbemi previously served as lead counsel to Nkeiruka Onyejeocha during the 2023 National Assembly election petition. After his appointment as Attorney-General, the Federal Government allegedly initiated a criminal defamation case against Ogah over statements contained in an affidavit connected to the same election dispute, prompting allegations that state prosecutorial powers are being used in a matter involving a former client.
The report also questioned the handling of the case after it was transferred from the original trial judge, Justice Aminu M. Abdullahi, to Justice Halilu while the defence was cross-examining Onyejeocha. Ogah’s legal team reportedly objected to the reassignment, arguing that the new judge’s previous connection to issues surrounding the election dispute raised concerns about judicial impartiality and fair hearing.
Further controversy arose after the court imposed fresh bail conditions requiring Ogah to produce two sureties, each owning titled property worth at least ₦1 billion in either Maitama or Asokoro, surrender his international passport, and swear an affidavit of good behaviour. His lawyers argued that he had already been granted valid bail and described the new conditions as excessively burdensome for a serving federal lawmaker.
The allegations have intensified public debate over prosecutorial independence, judicial fairness, and the potential misuse of state institutions in politically sensitive cases. As of the time of the report, the criminal trial remains ongoing, while the allegations against the Attorney-General have not been determined by any court.
