The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 26 to deliver a ruling on the final forfeiture of a London property linked to the late Jeremiah Useni, former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The court fixed the date after no individual or representative of Useni’s estate appeared within the statutory 14-day period to show cause why the property should not be forfeited to the federal government.
The matter followed an ex parte application filed in late 2025 by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which sought an interim forfeiture and preservation order over the property, alleging that it was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity.
On November 28, the presiding judge, Binta Nyako, granted the interim forfeiture order and directed the CCB to publish the order in a national newspaper within 14 days, inviting any person or body with an interest in the property to come forward and establish lawful ownership.
The property, located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, is linked to Useni, a retired lieutenant-general, and Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Dispute Surrounding Useni House in UK
The dispute over the property was filed before the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration in the United Kingdom under case number REF/2023/0155, with Tali Shani listed as the applicant and Ozekhome as the respondent.
Ownership of the property was claimed by one “Ms Tali Shani” and Ozekhome.
Ozekhome told the tribunal that he received the house as a gift from “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021, while lawyers representing “Ms Shani” maintained that she was the rightful owner.
A witness identified as “Mr Tali Shani” testified in support of Ozekhome, claiming he held powers of attorney over the property and transferred it to Ozekhome.
READ ALSO: ICPC Files Charges Against Ozekhome over Alleged Ownership of Useni’s UK House
He further claimed ownership of the property from 1993 and said he later appointed Useni as his property manager, describing the former minister as an “elder friend and business partner”.
However, witnesses for “Ms Tali Shani” tendered several documents, including an obituary announcement, National Identification Number card, ECOWAS passport and phone number, in support of her claim to the property.
The tribunal ruled that all the documents presented on behalf of Ms Tali Shani were fake and subsequently dismissed all claims, holding that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed.
Meanwhile, the federal government has filed criminal charges against Ozekhome over alleged forgery and use of false documents in connection with the disputed property in the United Kingdom.
Case Now Before A Federal High Court Abuja
The three-count charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, was filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, head of the high-profile prosecution department at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Ngozi Onwuka, an assistant chief legal officer, on behalf of the attorney-general of the federation.
In count one, the prosecution alleged that Ozekhome, sometime in August 2021 in London, received the property at 79 Randall Avenue from one Mr Shani Tali, an act it said constituted a felony, contrary to section 13 and punishable under section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Count two alleged that Ozekhome, while being a legal practitioner and senior advocate of Nigeria, made a false Nigerian passport bearing the name of Mr Shani Tali in August 2021 with intent to support a claim of ownership of the London property, contrary to sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code applicable in the FCT.
In count three, the ICPC alleged that Ozekhome dishonestly used the same passport as a genuine document to support the ownership claim, knowing it to be false, contrary to section 366 and punishable under section 364 of the Penal Code.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
