FG Formally Charges Ozekhome

Ozekhome Charged By FG In Property Case

The Federal Government has formally charged human rights lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) with forgery over a property dispute in London.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) filed the three-count criminal charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing Ozekhome of using false documents to assert ownership of a property abroad.

The case centres on a house located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, which has been the subject of a dispute between Ozekhome and the late retired Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, with Tali Shani also claiming ownership.

The charges allege that Ozekhome knowingly presented forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to support his claim during proceedings at the London First-Tier Tribunal.

Legal authorities say the offences occurred in August 2021 within the FCT jurisdiction. The charges include giving false information, using forged documents, and attempting to deceive a public authority.

The prosecution plans to call several witnesses and present documents such as tribunal judgments, statements, official letters, and passport data to support the case.

The Nigerian Bar Association’s Anti-Corruption Committee welcomed the charge, describing it as an opportunity for Ozekhome to defend himself and clear his name. The committee stressed that the trial should be fair, impartial, and not influenced by public opinion or the media.

The court has yet to set a trial date. The dispute continues to draw attention because of its international element, the involvement of a high-profile lawyer, and questions over the ownership of valuable London property.