FG Slams Fresh 12‑Count Charge Against Ozekhome Over Alleged Forgery, Impersonation in London Property Dispute
The Federal Government of Nigeria has instituted a new 12‑count criminal charge before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, against Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Ponfa Useni, also known as Tali Shani. The charges border on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and unlawful control of property situated in the United Kingdom.
The charge, filed by the Federal Ministry of Justice on behalf of the Government, alleges that the defendants forged a Nigerian international passport and other documents to support a claim to No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2. The late former FCT Minister, Gen. Jeremiah Useni, was named in several counts as a co‑conspirator.
According to the particulars of offence, the defendants allegedly conspired in Abuja in 2020 to procure a false Nigerian International Passport No. A07535463 in the name “Tali Shani,” purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, with the intent of using it to validate their claim to the London property.
– Counts 1 & 2: Alleged forgery of the passport between May 30, 2020 and 2021, contrary to Sections 96 and 363 of the Penal Code Law 2009, punishable under Section 364.
– Count 3 & 4: Alleged conspiracy and dishonest use of the forged passport between 2022 and 2025.
– Counts 5 & 7: Useni accused of false personation and cheating by personation.
– Counts 6 & 8: Ozekhome alleged to have abetted impersonation by jointly executing an irrevocable Power of Attorney with the fictitious “Tali Shani.”
– Count 9 & 10: Ozekhome accused of unlawful control of the London property and £18,000 rental proceeds suspected to have been fraudulently obtained.
– Counts 11 & 12: Alleged conspiracy in 2023 to forge a document titled “Re: Request for Authentication of Nigerian Passport No. A07535463 Belonging to Mr. Tali Shani”, purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The offences are said to contravene multiple provisions of the Penal Code Law 2009, including Sections 83, 84, 96, 179, 319A, 321, 322, 363, 364, and 366.
The charge was signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, and Chief State Counsel, A.R. Tahir, on behalf of the Attorney‑General of the Federation. An affidavit of completion of investigation filed by the Ministry of Justice stated that a prima facie case had been established against the defendants, who are currently in EFCC custody pending arraignment.
Earlier the same day, the AGF’s office withdrew three previous charges against Ozekhome, with Justice Peter Kekemeke striking them out following a review application by Oyedepo. The AGF had earlier taken over the case from the ICPC pursuant to Section 174 of the Constitution, citing public interest, fairness, and inter‑agency cooperation in the fight against corruption.
The FCT High Court is expected to fix a date for formal arraignment.
