EFCC docks prominent SAN Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni before FCT High Court on 12-count amended charges of conspiracy, forgery
EFCC Drags SAN Mike Ozekhome to Court Over Alleged Forged Passport in High-Stakes London Property Scam
In a dramatic courtroom showdown, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, February 27, 2026, arraigned renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni, and the late General Jeremiah Useni before Justice C.N. Oji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
The trio faces a fresh 12-count amended charge accusing them of conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence—all tied to allegedly forging documents, including a fake Nigerian international passport, to stake a claim on a valuable property at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, presented the amended charge dated February 25, 2026, urging the court to replace the original February 24 version.
“My Lord, I also wish to draw your attention to the proof of evidence filed alongside the amended charge, marked pages 1 to 501. We urge your Lordship to accept the amended charge together with the proof of evidence and cause the defendants to take their pleas,” he said.
Key allegations include:
- In 2020, the defendants conspired to forge Nigerian International Passport No. A07535463 in the fictitious name “Tali Shani,” purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, to bolster their ownership claim over the London property (contrary to Section 96(1) of the Penal Code Act, punishable under Section 364).
- In 2022, they allegedly conspired to present and use the forged passport as genuine to advance the same fraudulent claim (contrary to Section 96, punishable under Section 364).
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
With pleas entered, Oyedepo invoked Section 273 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, noting the matter was now set for full trial.
“In the interest of all parties, we urge your Lordship to accord this matter priority and fix an early trial date. We have been served with two bail applications, which we do not intend to oppose. We therefore pray that the matter be determined expeditiously,” he said.
Defence counsel Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, representing the first defendant, welcomed the prosecution’s non-opposition to bail.
He assured the court of full cooperation for speedy proceedings and pleaded for bail on self-recognition, highlighting Ozekhome’s status as a SAN with over 45 years at the bar, his Abuja residence, and recognition by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The court granted each defendant ₦10 million bail (with sureties), ordered surrender of international passports, and promised accelerated hearing amid the high-profile stakes involving legal ethics, public interest, and international property disputes.
The case, linked to the controversial “Tali Shani affair,” underscores EFCC’s crackdown on document fraud in cross-border asset claims. Trial dates are expected soon as proceedings intensify. Read More
