A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama yesterday arraigned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni on a 12-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation over alleged forgery, impersonation, and fraudulent claims to a London property.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which allege that they forged documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, while claiming ownership of a property at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, reportedly acquired unlawfully by the late General Jeremiah Useni.
During the proceedings, prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) requested an accelerated hearing, noting the case’s significance for all parties and the legal profession. Both defendants filed bail applications, supported by their lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Ozekhome and F. R. Onoja (SAN) for Useni.
Justice Chizoba Oji granted bail for each defendant at N10 million with one surety, requiring the surety to provide proof of property ownership within the FCT. The defendants were also ordered to deposit their international passports with the court. The judge set an accelerated trial schedule for March 13, April 15, and April 16.
The charges allege that:
• Ozekhome and Useni forged a Nigerian international passport and a power of attorney under the fictitious name Tali Shani to assert ownership of the London property.
• Useni allegedly impersonated Tali Shani to facilitate the execution of an irrevocable power of attorney with Ozekhome.
• Ozekhome is accused of abetting Useni in the impersonation and claiming control of the property, suspected to have been unlawfully obtained by the late General Useni.
• Both are charged with offences contrary to sections 85, 179, 321, 322, 319A of the Penal Code Act 2006.
Justice Oji emphasized that the case would proceed on an accelerated timeline to ensure prompt resolution, underlining the court’s commitment to handling high-profile property fraud cases efficiently.
This case adds to ongoing scrutiny of alleged property and document-related frauds involving high-profile individuals in Nigeria’s legal and political spheres.
