By Obinna Uballa
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly detained Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and is planning to file fresh charges against him in relation to a property dispute in London, United Kingdom.
The development comes after the federal government withdrew a three-count fraud and forgery charge linked to the London property dispute.
The New Diplomat had reported that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama had scheduled Ozekhome’s arraignment over allegations that he presented forged documents, including a Nigerian passport, to claim ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX. The property dispute involved Ozekhome and the estate of the late General Jeremiah Useni, a former Minister of the FCT and senior military officer.
The initial charges, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on January 16, alleged that Ozekhome received the London property as a gift from one “Mr. Tali Shani” in August 2021 and forged supporting documents to substantiate his claim. The offences were said to contravene Sections 13, 24, 363, 364, and 366 of Nigeria’s Corrupt Practices and Penal Codes.
The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, took over the prosecution on January 26. Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the AGF, had earlier assured the court that the case would be prosecuted with “the highest standard of efficiency, diligence, and compliance with due process of law.”
However, at Tuesday’s sitting, Oyedepo moved to withdraw the case, citing the need for the AGF’s office to review and consolidate issues across multiple investigating agencies to strengthen the prosecution. Following the application, presiding judge Peter Kekemeke struck out the suit.
Ozekhome now faces fresh charges from the EFCC, a development confirmed by a senior intelligence source who said the SAN remains in detention pending further investigations.
The property dispute in London dates back to 1993, when the estate was purchased and registered under the name “Tali Shani.” Litigation escalated after questions arose about the legitimacy of Ozekhome’s claim. In September 2025, the UK’s First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) ruled that “Mr.” and “Ms. Tali Shani” were impostors, and that the real beneficial owner of the property was the late General Useni, who had used the false identity to manage offshore assets.
At the tribunal, witnesses for Ozekhome attempted to establish ownership, including one “Mr. Tali Shani,” who claimed to have transferred the property via Power of Attorney. The tribunal, reportedly, however, found multiple documents, including passports, burial notices, and witness statements, to be forged or fabricated.
