The Federal Government is set to arraign Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Mike Ozekhome before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday, January 26, 2026, over alleged fraud involving a property in London, United Kingdom.
A hearing notice obtained on Wednesday indicates that the arraignment will take place at Courtroom 4 by 9:00 a.m., with the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the plaintiff and Ozekhome as the sole defendant. The prosecution will be led by Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, Head of the High-Profile Prosecution Department of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The criminal case, filed under Charge No: FCT/HC/CR/010/26, accuses the 68-year-old SAN, resident at 53 Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, of three counts: receiving property abroad, forgery, and fraudulent use of false documents.
- Count One alleges that in August 2021, while in London, Ozekhome received a property at 79 Randall Avenue, allegedly from Mr. Shani Tali, in violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
- Count Two claims he forged a Nigerian passport in the name of Shani Tali in Abuja to support ownership of the property, contravening the Penal Code of the FCT.
- Count Three alleges he knowingly used the falsified passport to substantiate ownership claims.
The arraignment follows a 2025 ruling by the UK’s First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which determined that the disputed London property belongs to the estate of the late General Jeremiah Timbut Useni. The tribunal found that documents and identities presented by Ozekhome and others were forged or deceptive, and that General Useni was the true owner.
The ICPC has filed evidence and listed witnesses for the case, which was signed by Dr. Akponimisingha and Assistant Chief Legal Officer Ngozi Onwuka on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The FCT High Court has warned that any party seeking adjournment must provide prompt applications with supporting evidence, and that parties intending to compel witnesses should give reasonable notice.