The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome over alleged forgery and use of false documents in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom.
Documents obtained by Channels Television on Sunday revealed that the three-count charge was filed before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Friday. The charges were instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) through its Head of High-Profile Prosecution, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, and Assistant Chief Legal Officer, Ngozi Onwuka, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
The 68-year-old senior lawyer is accused of presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian passport, to support his claim of ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, during proceedings before the London First-Tier Tribunal. The alleged offences reportedly occurred in August 2021 within the Maitama area of Abuja, under the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court.
The charges include giving false information, using forged documents, and attempting to deceive a public authority.
Details of the Charges
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Count One: Ozekhome is accused of receiving House 79 Randall Avenue, London, purportedly gifted by one Shani Tali, in an act the ICPC says constitutes a felony under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
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Count Two: The SAN is alleged to have “made a false document,” specifically a Nigerian passport (A07535463) in the name of Shani Tali, with the intent to use it to support his claim of ownership of the London property. This charge is filed under the Penal Code of the FCT.
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Count Three: Ozekhome is accused of “dishonestly” using the allegedly false passport to substantiate his ownership claim when he allegedly knew the document was false.
The senior lawyer has yet to issue an official response to the charges.
Witnesses and Evidence
The Federal Government listed several witnesses, including ICPC investigators and a representative of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), to testify during the trial. Exhibits to be presented include the judgment of the London First-Tier Tribunal, extra-judicial statements, letters from relevant authorities, and passport data related to Shani Tali. A trial date has not yet been set.
Background of the Property Dispute
The dispute involves Ozekhome and the late Jeremiah Useni. It was filed at the UK First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration under case number REF/2023/0155, with Shani Tali as the applicant and Ozekhome as the respondent.
Ozekhome claims he received the property as a gift from Shani Tali in 2021, while lawyers representing “Ms Shani” maintained she was the rightful owner. A witness identified as Shani Tali testified in Ozekhome’s favour, stating he had “Powers of Attorney” over the property and had transferred ownership to Ozekhome.
According to the tribunal, neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed. Documents submitted on behalf of Ms Tali Shani, including an obituary, NIN card, ECOWAS passport, and phone number, were deemed fraudulent. The tribunal ruled that the actual owner of the property was Useni, dismissing all other claims.
