The Federal Government has instituted fresh criminal proceedings against Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), over allegations bordering on the use of a false Nigerian international passport in connection with a disputed property in the United Kingdom.
The new case was filed on Tuesday before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. According to court documents, the government entered a 12-count charge against Ozekhome and a co-defendant, Ponfa Useni — son of the late Jeremiah Useni, a retired lieutenant-general and former Minister of the FCT.
Fresh Charges After Earlier Withdrawal
The development follows an earlier legal twist in which charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were struck out after the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) withdrew the case.
On January 16, the ICPC had initially filed a three-count charge against Ozekhome, alleging forgery-related offences. However, the Office of the AGF subsequently took over the matter on January 26, indicating that the prosecution would proceed in line with due process.
At the time, counsel to the AGF assured the court that the case would be pursued with “the highest standard of efficiency, effectiveness, diligence and compliance with due process of law.”
The latest filing signals the government’s decision to reframe and expand the allegations.
Allegations In The New Charge Sheet
In the fresh 12-count charge, the Federal Government alleges that between May 2020 and 2021, Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni (identified with the alias “Tali Shani”), and the late Jeremiah Useni were involved in the creation and use of a Nigerian international passport bearing the name “Tali Shani.”
The passport identified as No. A07535463 was allegedly presented as a genuine document purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service. Prosecutors claim the document was used to support a property claim in the United Kingdom.
The property in question is located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2.
The government further alleges that the defendants conspired to use the document to facilitate their claim over the property, thereby contravening provisions of the Penal Code Law, 2009.
Specific counts in the charge include:
Conspiracy to use a forged document
Forgery and dishonest use of a false passport
Personation involving the assumed identity “Tali Shani”
Execution of an Irrevocable Power of Attorney under the alleged false identity
Cheating by personation
The prosecution maintains that these actions were undertaken within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court and are punishable under relevant sections of the Penal Code Law.
The UK Property Dispute
The legal controversy stems from competing claims over the London property. The matter was previously litigated before the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration under case reference REF/2023/0155.
In that proceeding, an individual identified as “Tali Shani” was listed as the applicant, while Ozekhome was named as the respondent.
Ozekhome had reportedly maintained that he received the property as a gift in 2021 from an individual identified as “Mr. Tali Shani.” A witness bearing that name testified in support of his position, asserting ownership dating back to 1993 and claiming to have appointed the late Jeremiah Useni as a property manager.
Conversely, lawyers representing another claimant referred to as “Ms. Tali Shani” submitted various identification documents, including a passport, National Identification Number (NIN) card, obituary materials, and other records, to establish ownership.
However, the UK tribunal ultimately ruled that the documents tendered were not authentic and dismissed the competing claims. In its findings, the tribunal reportedly concluded that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed and determined that the property’s ownership had been concealed under a false identity.
What Happens Next?
With the filing of the 12-count charge, the case now shifts fully to the Nigerian judicial system for determination under domestic criminal law.
As of the time of filing, no conviction has been recorded, and the defendants remain entitled to the presumption of innocence pending judicial proceedings.
The matter is expected to draw significant legal and public attention, given the stature of the individuals involved, the cross-border dimension of the dispute, and the broader implications for property, identity, and document integrity in international transactions.
Further court dates and procedural developments are anticipated in the coming weeks.
