EFCC Arraigns Ozekhome, Others Over UK Property
Last update: February 27, 2026
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EFCC arraigns Mike Ozekhome for alleged forgery...
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni and the late General Jeremiah Useni before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over alleged forgery linked to a property in the United Kingdom.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice C.N. Oji of the FCT High Court, Maitama, on a 12-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to substitute the amended charge dated Feb. 25, 2026, for the initial charge filed a day earlier. He also asked the court to accept the accompanying proof of evidence and invite the defendants to take their pleas.
According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2020 in Abuja to procure a false Nigerian international passport bearing the name “Tali Shani” to support a claim of ownership of a property located at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom.
Another count alleged that in 2022 they conspired to use the said passport as genuine to facilitate the property claim, contrary to provisions of the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Oyedepo told the court that the not guilty pleas set the stage for trial and requested an accelerated hearing in the interest of the public and the legal profession. He said the prosecution would not oppose the bail applications already filed by the defence.
Counsel to the first defendant, Tayo Oyetibo, welcomed the prosecution’s stance and sought bail on self-recognition, citing his client’s status as a senior lawyer with over 45 years’ experience and a known address in Abuja.
Counsel to the second defendant, Onoja, also requested bail on liberal terms. He told the court that his client suffers from a serious heart condition and had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.
Justice Oji granted each defendant bail in the sum of 10 million naira with one surety who must own property in Abuja. She ordered that their international passports be deposited with the court and fixed March 13 and April 15–16, 2026 for trial, directing that the case be given an accelerated hearing.
