EXCLUSIVE: EFCC Detains Ozekhome Over ‘Tali Shani’ UK Property Dispute
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in connection with a controversial property dispute in the United Kingdom known as the “Tali Shani affair”.
Sources said Ozekhome was taken into custody shortly after an FCT high court struck out a forgery charge earlier filed against him. He is expected to be arraigned soon.
The latest development is separate from a fresh 12 count charge instituted by the federal government on Tuesday over the same matter.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy revolves around a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.
The dispute, filed before the UK First tier Tribunal Property Chamber Land Registration under case number REF 2023 0155, listed Tali Shani as applicant and Ozekhome as respondent. The late Jeremiah Useni, a retired lieutenant general, was also named in the proceedings.
Ownership of the property was contested between a person identified as “Ms Tali Shani” and Ozekhome. Ozekhome maintained that he received the property as a gift from “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021. However, lawyers representing “Ms Shani” argued that she was the lawful owner.
During the tribunal proceedings, a witness identified as “Mr Tali Shani” testified in support of Ozekhome, claiming he held powers of attorney over the property and had transferred it to him. He further claimed ownership dating back to 1993 and said he later appointed Useni as his property manager.
On the other side, witnesses for “Ms Tali Shani” tendered documents including an obituary notice, National Identification Number card, ECOWAS passport and other materials to establish ownership.
The tribunal ultimately ruled that the documents presented for Ms Shani were fraudulent and went further to conclude that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed. All claims were dismissed.
ICPC and AGF Proceedings
In January, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission filed a three count charge against Ozekhome before the FCT high court, accusing him of presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, during the UK proceedings.
The office of the attorney general of the federation later took over the prosecution and assured the court of diligent handling of the case. However, at a resumed hearing slated for Ozekhome’s arraignment, the prosecution applied to withdraw the charge to allow for further review and consolidation of investigations involving multiple agencies.
Justice Peter Kekemeke struck out the charge. Shortly afterward, the EFCC arrested Ozekhome.
Fresh 12 Count Charge
The federal government has now filed a 12 count charge against Ozekhome at the FCT high court in Abuja.
According to the charge sheet, Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni also known as Tali Shani, and the late Jeremiah Useni allegedly conspired to create and use a false Nigerian international passport bearing the name Tali Shani between 2020 and 2021. The prosecution alleged the passport was purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service to support a claim to the London property.
The government said the alleged acts contravene provisions of the Penal Code Law 2009, including sections relating to conspiracy, forgery, personation and abetment.
Among the allegations, Ponfa Useni is accused of falsely personating a fictitious Tali Shani and executing an irrevocable power of attorney in May 2020. Ozekhome is also accused of abetting the alleged personation and using the document to pursue his claim to the property.
The case is expected to proceed at the FCT high court in Abuja.
