The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned hearing in the final forfeiture proceedings over a London property linked to the late Jeremiah Useni, former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to February 25.
In 2025, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) filed an ex parte application seeking an interim forfeiture and preservation order over the property, alleging that it was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity.
On November 28, Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, 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 appear before the court and establish lawful ownership.
Court Queries Service of Processes
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Sufyan Ibrahim Ahmad, counsel to the CCB, told the court that the processes had been served on the respondent and that proof of service was before the court.
However, when asked how and on whom service was effected, Ahmad said efforts to serve the documents at Useni’s last known address in Jos, Plateau State, were unsuccessful because no relative of the deceased was available to receive them.
READ ALSO: Court Sets Jan 26 to Rule on Final Forfeiture of London Property Linked to Useni, Ozekhomee
He added that occupants of the property later provided the address of a law firm in the FCT, which subsequently supplied the address of Useni’s daughter, on whom the processes were eventually served.
Justice Nyako, however, observed that the court had not granted the CCB leave to effect substituted service.
The judge also asked whether Useni’s daughter was the legal administrator of his estate or of the property sought to be forfeited. Ahmad replied in the negative, adding that he was not aware whether the deceased left a will.
READ ALSO: ICPC Files Charges Against Ozekhome over Alleged Ownership of Useni’s UK House
Consequently, the court directed the CCB to file an application seeking leave for substituted service and adjourned the matter to February 25.
Background of the London Property in Dispute
The property is located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.
Also named in the dispute are Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Useni, a retired lieutenant-general.
The matter 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.
The property was claimed by a person identified as “Ms Tali Shani” on one hand and by Ozekhome on the other. Ozekhome told the tribunal that he received the house as a gift from “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021, while lawyers for “Ms Shani” insisted she was the rightful owner.
A witness identified as “Mr Tali Shani” testified in support of Ozekhome, claiming he had powers of attorney over the property and had transferred it to Ozekhome. He said he had owned the property since 1993 and later appointed Useni as his property manager, describing him as an “elder friend and business partner”.
On the other hand, witnesses for “Ms Tali Shani” tendered several documents, including an obituary announcement, National Identification Number (NIN) card, ECOWAS passport and phone records, to support her claim.
However, the tribunal found that all the documents tendered on behalf of “Ms Tali Shani” were fake and dismissed all the claims, ruling that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed.
Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) filed a three-count charge marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026 against Ozekhome on January 16.
Ozekhome was scheduled to be arraigned before an FCT High Court in Maitama on Monday, but when the case was called, Rotimi Oyedepo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had taken over the prosecution.
According to Oyedepo, the case would be prosecuted with “the highest standard of efficiency, effectiveness, diligence and compliance with due process of law,” adding that the AGF would need time to study the case file.
The matter has been adjourned to February 24 for arraignment.
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.
