The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome in connection with his alleged involvement in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom, commonly referred to as the “Tali Shani affair.”
The arrest occurred shortly after a Federal Capital Territory High Court struck out a forgery charge previously filed against him.
Sources familiar with the matter told The Cable that Ozekhome may be arraigned in court at any moment.
The development followed Tuesday’s proceedings at the FCT High Court, where a three-count charge — originally instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on January 16 — accused Ozekhome of knowingly presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to support his claim of ownership over a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, during proceedings before the UK First-tier Tribunal.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation took over the case on January 26.
At the resumed hearing scheduled for Ozekhome’s arraignment, counsel to the Attorney-General, Rotimi Oyedepo, applied to withdraw the charge, explaining that the AGF’s office needed more time to review and consolidate issues involving different investigating agencies to strengthen the case.
Presiding judge Peter Kekemeke consequently struck out the charge.
However, EFCC operatives arrested Ozekhome almost immediately after the court discharged him.
The controversy revolves around the property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, which has been the subject of a dispute filed at the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration under case number REF/2023/0155.
The case listed Tali Shani as applicant and Ozekhome as respondent, with the late retired Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Useni also named.
Ozekhome claimed he received the house as a gift from “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021.
Lawyers representing “Ms Tali Shani” insisted she was the rightful owner.
A witness identified as “Mr Tali Shani” testified in support of Ozekhome, claiming he held Powers of Attorney over the property and had transferred it to him. He asserted ownership from 1993 and said he later appointed Useni as property manager, describing him as an “elder friend and business partner.”
Conversely, witnesses for “Ms Tali Shani” tendered documents including an obituary announcement, National Identification Number card, ECOWAS passport, and phone records to establish ownership.
The tribunal reportedly found the documents presented on behalf of “Ms Tali Shani” to be fake.
In its final ruling, the tribunal dismissed all claims, concluding that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed.
