The Federal Government files a three-count criminal charge against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, over alleged forgery and use of false documents linked to a disputed property in the United Kingdom. The charges are brought through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the prosecution alleges Ozekhome knowingly presents forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, during proceedings before the London First-tier Tribunal to support a claim of ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.
According to the charge sheet, the case borders on alleged false information, use of forged documents, and an attempt to deceive a public authority. Prosecutors say the alleged actions occur between Abuja and London during proceedings related to the ownership of the London property.
Mediaplusng.com understands that the first count accuses Ozekhome of receiving the London property in August 2021 while in the United Kingdom, allegedly presented as a gift from one Shani Tali. The Federal Government claims the act constitutes an offence under Sections 13 and 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Details of the Alleged Charges
The second count alleges that the senior lawyer, while in Abuja, makes a false document during the same period. Prosecutors claim the document is a Nigerian passport bearing the name Shani Tali, allegedly created to support the ownership claim of the London property. This count is said to contravene Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory.
The third count accuses Ozekhome of allegedly using the said passport as a genuine document, despite having reason to believe it is false. The Federal Government says this action amounts to dishonest use of a forged document, also punishable under the Penal Code of the FCT.
The prosecution lists several witnesses expected to testify during the trial, including ICPC investigators and a representative of the Nigerian Immigration Service. Documents to be tendered include the judgment of the London First-tier Tribunal, extra-judicial statements, official correspondence, and passport records relating to Shani Tali.
UK Property Dispute at the Centre
The charges stem from a long-running property dispute involving the London address at 79 Randall Avenue, NW2 7SX. The matter is heard at the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) under case number REF/2023/0155, with Tali Shani listed as the applicant and Ozekhome as the respondent.
The dispute also involves the late Jeremiah Useni, who is identified by the tribunal as a key figure connected to the property. Competing claims are made by individuals identified as “Mr Tali Shani” and “Ms Tali Shani,” with Ozekhome maintaining that he receives the property as a gift in 2021.
During the tribunal proceedings, a witness identified as Mr Tali Shani testifies in support of Ozekhome, claiming ownership of the property since 1993 and stating that he transfers it to Ozekhome using powers of attorney. He also describes Jeremiah Useni as an elder friend and business partner who later manages the property.
Tribunal Ruling and Current Status
Lawyers representing Ms Tali Shani present documents including identification records and other personal data to support their claim. However, the tribunal rules that the documents tendered for Ms Tali Shani are not authentic.
In its final judgment, the tribunal dismisses all competing claims and concludes that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani exists as a real person. The tribunal rules that the actual owner of the property is the late Jeremiah Useni.
As of the time of filing this report, no date is fixed for the arraignment of the senior advocate. The Federal Government says the case remains under active prosecution, while the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
