EFCC Detains Mike Ozekhome Over Controversial UK Property Dispute

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken Mike Ozekhome (SAN) into custody concerning his alleged role in a contentious property dispute in the United Kingdom, commonly known as the “Tali Shani case.” This development follows the recent dismissal of a forgery charge against him by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court.

Background of the Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Ozekhome’s arrest occurred shortly after the FCT high court struck out earlier forgery allegations. Sources reveal that this detention is distinct from a newly filed 12-count indictment related to the same property conflict. The fresh charges are expected to be formally presented in court soon.

Details of the UK Property Dispute

The dispute revolves around a property situated at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX. The case was brought before the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration under case number REF/2023/0155. In this legal battle, Tali Shani was the claimant, while Ozekhome was named as the respondent. The late retired Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Useni was also implicated in the broader controversy.

Conflicting Claims of Ownership

Ozekhome asserted to the tribunal that the property was gifted to him by “Mr. Tali Shani” in 2021. Contrarily, representatives for “Ms. Tali Shani” argued she was the legitimate owner. A witness identified as “Mr. Tali Shani” supported Ozekhome’s claim, stating he held “Powers of Attorney” over the property and had transferred ownership to Ozekhome. He further claimed ownership dating back to 1993 and appointed Useni as the property’s manager, describing him as a trusted elder and business associate.

Evidence and Tribunal Ruling

Opposing witnesses for “Ms. Tali Shani” submitted various documents, including an obituary, a National Identification Number card, and an ECOWAS passport, to substantiate ownership claims. However, the tribunal found these documents to be fraudulent and dismissed all claims, concluding that neither “Mr.” nor “Ms.” Tali Shani existed as legitimate persons.

Legal Actions in Nigeria

Earlier, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had charged Ozekhome with three counts before the FCT high court on January 16. The charges accused him of knowingly presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, during the UK tribunal proceedings. The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) took over the case on January 26.

During a resumed hearing for arraignment, Rotimi Oyedepo, representing the AGF, requested the withdrawal of the charges to allow for a comprehensive review and consolidation of investigations involving multiple agencies. Consequently, the presiding judge, Peter Kekemeke, struck out the charges. Ozekhome was detained shortly thereafter.

New Charges and Allegations

The federal government has since filed a new 12-count charge at the FCT high court in Abuja. The indictment accuses Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni (also known as Tali Shani), and the late Jeremiah Useni of fabricating a false Nigerian International Passport (No. A07535463) in the name of Tali Shani, allegedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, to support their claim over the London property.

The charges include conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and other offenses under the Penal Code Law 2009. One specific count alleges that the defendants conspired to use the counterfeit passport to legitimize their claim to the property at 79 Randall Avenue, London.

Additional Allegations of False Personation

The government further contends that Ponfa Useni impersonated a fictitious individual named Tali Shani and executed a Power of Attorney under this false identity. Ozekhome is accused of facilitating this deception by endorsing documents related to the disputed property. The case is set to continue in the FCT high court as the new charges proceed.

Context and Implications

This case highlights ongoing challenges in cross-border property disputes and the complexities of legal ownership verification. With increasing globalization, such cases underscore the importance of robust legal frameworks and international cooperation to combat fraud and uphold property rights. According to recent data from Transparency International, property-related fraud remains a significant concern globally, with millions lost annually to such schemes.

As the EFCC intensifies efforts to tackle economic crimes, this high-profile case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to safeguard assets and maintain the integrity of legal processes both within Nigeria and internationally.