FG Files Fresh 12-Count Charge Against Mike Ozekhome Over Alleged UK Property Fraud
The Federal Government has instituted a fresh 12-count charge against senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over his alleged role in a scheme linked to the disputed ownership of a property in the United Kingdom.
The new charge, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, accuses him of forgery and aiding the commission of an offence.
According to the charge, the government alleged that in 2020, Ozekhome conspired with Ponfa Useni, also known as Tali Shani, and the late General Jeremiah Useni to carry out an unlawful act. He was accused of facilitating the creation of a forged Nigerian International Passport No. A07535463 bearing the name Tali Shani.
The prosecution claimed the passport was presented as having been issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service and was intended to support a claim over a property located at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom. The alleged act was said to contravene Section 96 of the Penal Code Law, 2009, and is punishable under Section 364 of the same law.
The charge further stated that Ozekhome allegedly assisted in cheating by personation through the joint execution of an irrevocable power of attorney dated May 30, 2020, alongside Tali Shani, described as a fictitious individual. The document was allegedly used to advance the claim to the UK property, in violation of Sections 83, 84, and 321 of the Penal Code Law, 2009, and punishable under Section 322.
In Count 9, the government alleged that the senior lawyer assumed control of the UK property, which authorities suspect was unlawfully acquired by the late General Useni under the false identity of Tali Shani. Count 10 further accused him of receiving £18,000 in rental income generated from the said property within the period under review.
The late General Useni, who was alleged to have impersonated the fictitious Tali Shani, was listed as the second defendant in the charge signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
The fresh charge was filed shortly after the same high court dismissed an earlier three-count charge brought against Ozekhome by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
