EFCC arraigns Mike Ozekhome over alleged forgery of documents to seizure London property

Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Arraigned by EFCC Over Alleged Forgery of Nigerian Passport to Seize London Property – Could Face Years in Prison if Convicted of 12 Counts Including Conspiracy, Impersonation, and Forgery

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 27, 2026, arraigned Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, Ponfa Useni, and the late General Jeremiah Useni before the FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged forgery of documents and a Nigerian international passport to claim ownership of a property at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2.

The defendants face a 12-count amended charge including conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and false pretense.

All pleaded not guilty. Prosecution urged for an accelerated trial, citing the case’s gravity, while defense counsel requested bail on self-recognition, highlighting Ozekhome’s 45-year legal career and status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The saga traces back to a property dispute spanning decades. The UK home was reportedly purchased in 1993 by the late Jeremiah Useni using a fictitious identity (“Tali Shani”).

Competing claims emerged after Useni’s death in January 2025, leading to a UK First-tier Tribunal case (2023–2025), which ruled that neither Ozekhome nor “Tali Shani” proved legitimate ownership, describing the case as built on a “network of fraud, impersonation, and forged documents.”

Following the UK judgment, Nigerian authorities pursued criminal charges, alleging Ozekhome and co-defendants forged a Nigerian passport and related documents to claim the London property.

The EFCC arraignment today represents the latest development in this high-profile cross-border fraud saga.

The case is ongoing, with bail granted under strict conditions and trial expected to proceed swiftly.