The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Mike Ozekhome (SAN) in connection with a contentious United Kingdom property dispute, popularly called the “Tali Shani affair.”
The arrest came shortly after a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court struck out a forgery charge that had been filed against him earlier. Ozekhome is expected to be charged to court under a fresh 12-count case filed by the federal government.
The controversy revolves around a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, which was brought before the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration under case number REF/2023/0155. In the UK proceedings, Tali Shani was listed as the applicant and Ozekhome as the respondent. Also involved was the late Jeremiah Useni, a retired lieutenant-general.
Ozekhome claimed he received the property as a gift from “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021. Witnesses in his favour said he held Powers of Attorney over the property. The opposing side, representing “Ms Tali Shani,” submitted documents like a National ID, ECOWAS passport, and an obituary announcement. However, the tribunal ruled that these documents were fake and dismissed the claims, stating that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed.
In Nigeria, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had earlier charged Ozekhome with presenting forged documents in relation to the case. The attorney-general’s office later took over, and the previous charges were struck out to allow consolidation of investigations.
The new 12-count charge filed at the FCT High Court alleges conspiracy, forgery, and personation. It claims that between 2020 and 2021, Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni (aka Tali Shani), and the late Jeremiah Useni created a fake Nigerian passport in the name of Tali Shani to support the London property claim. The federal government also alleges that Ponfa Useni falsely acted as Tali Shani and executed a Power of Attorney, while Ozekhome allegedly abetted the act by signing related documents.
The case is now set to proceed in court, with Ozekhome facing serious allegations tied to fraud, forgery, and impersonation in connection with the disputed UK property.
This marks a significant legal development in a high-profile property and forgery controversy involving a prominent senior lawyer.
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