The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a three-count charge against Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome, over allegations linked to the acquisition of a London property reportedly belonging to the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt. Gen. Jerry Useni.
The charges stem from claims that Ozekhome used a false Nigerian passport to support ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London. The property became the subject of controversy following Useni’s death in January 2025 and disputes over unpaid legal fees from his unsuccessful 2019 Plateau State governorship election cases.
According to the ICPC, Ozekhome applied in August 2021 to transfer the property into his name, claiming it was a gift from a man identified as Mr. Tali Shani in appreciation of legal services. However, the transfer was challenged by Westfields Solicitors acting for a woman also identified as Tali Shani, who claimed ownership of the property since 1993.
A UK First-tier Tribunal later ruled that both individuals identified as Mr. and Ms. Tali Shani were fictitious. During the proceedings, a passport presented in the name of Mr. Tali Shani was examined, prompting further scrutiny of its authenticity.
The Nigeria Immigration Service subsequently confirmed that the passport number presented did not exist in its records and described the document as defective and unlawfully altered. Following a petition referencing the UK tribunal judgment, the ICPC commenced investigations and interrogated Ozekhome.
In the charge dated January 16, 2026, the commission accused Ozekhome of knowingly receiving property believed to be proceeds of a felony, forging a Nigerian passport, and using the forged document to support his ownership claim, contrary to relevant laws. The charges were filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Ozekhome has denied the allegations, maintaining that the London property was lawfully gifted to him by General Useni for legal services rendered and that his actions were transparent and legitimate. No date has been fixed for his arraignment.
