EFCC Detains Mike Ozekhome Over ‘Tali Shani’ UK Property Affair

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), over his alleged role in a controversial property dispute in the United Kingdom, widely referred to as the “Tali Shani affair.”

According to TheCable, Ozekhome was taken into custody shortly after a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court dismissed an earlier forgery case against him.

He is expected to be arraigned in court soon for a new 12-count charge recently filed against him by the federal government.

The case revolves around a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.

The dispute was heard at the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) under case number REF/2023/0155.

The matter listed Tali Shani as the applicant and Ozekhome as the respondent.

The late retired Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Useni was also mentioned in connection with the property.

Both a “Mr Tali Shani” and a “Ms Tali Shani” claimed ownership of the house at different times.

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 man identified as “Mr Tali Shani” testified in support of Ozekhome, saying he had power of attorney over the property and had transferred it.

He claimed he had owned the property since 1993 and had appointed Useni as his property manager.

On the other side, documents such as an obituary notice, a National Identification Number card, an ECOWAS passport and other materials were presented to back the claim of “Ms Tali Shani.”

The tribunal later ruled that the documents submitted in her favour were fake.

In the end, the tribunal dismissed all claims, stating that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani appeared to be real persons.

Earlier, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had filed a three-count charge against Ozekhome at the FCT High Court on January 16.

He was accused of presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian passport, during the UK proceedings to support his claim to the London property.

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation later took over the case.

At a previous hearing, government counsel Rotimi Oyedepo assured the court that the case would be handled properly and in line with the law.

However, at the resumed sitting meant for Ozekhome’s arraignment, the prosecution asked to withdraw the charges, saying more time was needed to review issues raised by different investigative agencies.

Justice Peter Kekemeke subsequently struck out the case.

Soon after that decision, the EFCC arrested Mike Ozekhome.

Meanwhile, the federal government has filed a fresh 12-count charge at the FCT High Court in Abuja.

The new charges include allegations that Ozekhome and others created and used a fake Nigerian passport in the name “Tali Shani” between 2020 and 2021 to support their claim to the London property.

The charge sheet alleges that Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni (also known as Tali Shani), and the late Jeremiah Useni conspired to use the alleged false passport and related documents, including a power of attorney, to claim ownership of the property.

The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Penal Code Law 2009, including forgery, conspiracy, personation and related offences.

The case is expected to proceed in court in the coming days.

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