Forgery Storm: EFCC Drags Mike Ozekhome, Others to Court Over UK Property Saga
By Paul Ebi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, February 27, 2026, arraigned prominent legal practitioner Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni, and former military officer Jeremiah Useni (now deceased) before Justice C. N. Oji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged forgery of documents and an international passport to facilitate ownership of a property in the United Kingdom.
The defendants were arraigned on a 12-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence.
Amended Charges Presented
At the proceedings, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that the anti-graft agency had filed a 12-count amended charge dated February 25, 2026, urging the court to substitute it for the earlier charge filed on February 24, 2026.
Oyedepo also drew the court’s attention to the proof of evidence spanning 501 pages, requesting that the defendants take their pleas based on the amended charge.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2020 to produce a false Nigerian international passport bearing the name “Tali Shani,” purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, to support a claim of ownership of a property located at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, in London.
Another count alleged that the defendants again conspired in 2022 to present the same passport as genuine in furtherance of the property claim.All defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.
Prosecution Seeks Accelerated Hearing
Following the plea, Oyedepo urged the court to grant accelerated hearing, citing the importance of the case to society and the legal profession. He noted that the prosecution would not oppose the bail applications already filed by the defendants.
According to him, granting a short trial timeline would enable both parties to prepare adequately while ensuring speedy determination of the case.
Defence Counsels Argue Bail Applications
Counsel to the first defendant, Tayo Oyetibo, commended the prosecution for not opposing bail and urged the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition, stressing Ozekhome’s over 45 years of legal practice and strong professional standing.
Counsel to the second defendant, Paul Onoja, also requested lenient bail conditions, citing his client’s health challenges, particularly a serious heart condition, and noting that the EFCC had earlier granted him administrative bail.
Court Grants Bail, Fixes Trial Dates
Justice Oji granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10 million each with one reasonable surety who must own property in Abuja. The court also ordered that their international passports be deposited with the court.
The judge further directed that the matter be given accelerated hearing and adjourned the case to March 13, and April 15 and 16, 2026, for trial.
