AGF assumes control of ICPC’s three-count forgery charge against Mike Ozekhome over forged documents in a disputed London property
AGF Takes Over Mike Ozekhome’s Forgery Prosecution in UK Property Scandal – Arraignment Adjourned to February 24
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has assumed control of the high-profile prosecution of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome over allegations of forgery and use of false documents in a disputed London property case.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) originally filed a three-count charge (FCT/HC/CR/010/2026) against Ozekhome at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, on January 16, 2026. He was due for arraignment on Monday, January 26.
However, during proceedings, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, representing the AGF, informed the court of the takeover.
Oyedepo explained that the AGF intervened “to ensure the case is handled with the highest standard of efficiency, effectiveness, diligence and strict compliance with due process.” He requested time for the AGF to review the case file thoroughly.
Counsel for the ICPC, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, raised no objection. Presiding Judge Justice Peter Kekemeke adjourned the matter to February 24, 2026, for Ozekhome’s arraignment.
Ozekhome faces accusations of knowingly presenting forged documents—including a Nigerian international passport—to substantiate his ownership claim over a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX. The alleged offences occurred in August 2021 in Maitama, Abuja.
The case stems from a contentious dispute before the UK First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), Land Registration (REF/2023/0155). The applicant, Ms Tali Shani, challenged Ozekhome’s claim that the property was gifted to him in 2021 by a “Mr Tali Shani.”
A witness claiming to be Tali Shani supported Ozekhome, asserting power of attorney and management by the late Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni since 1993. In contrast, witnesses for Ms Shani presented documents like an obituary notice, NIN card, ECOWAS passport, and phone records.
The UK tribunal dismissed the claims, ruling that documents were fake and that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed. It concluded the true owner—operating under a false identity—was the late Jeremiah Useni, describing the dispute as built on “forgery and deception.”
The Nigerian charges followed the tribunal’s September 2025 findings, which highlighted a network of fraud, impersonation, and forged documents.
The AGF’s intervention—led by Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN—has delayed proceedings but signals high-level federal oversight in the case involving one of Nigeria’s prominent legal figures.
Ozekhome has yet to publicly respond to the latest development, though earlier reports indicate civil society groups have urged President Tinubu to halt the prosecution, calling it ill-conceived.
The adjournment to February 24 keeps the spotlight on this cross-border legal saga blending UK tribunal rulings with Nigerian anti-corruption enforcement. Read More
