The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has officially taken over the criminal prosecution of senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This significant legal development has effectively stalled Ozekhome's planned arraignment before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on charges that prominently include allegations of forgery.
Court Proceedings and Legal Maneuvers
During the court session, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), made a formal announcement that he was appearing on behalf of the Attorney General. He informed the court of the decision to assume control of the prosecution from the ICPC, citing the constitutional powers granted under Section 174 of the Constitution as the legal basis for this action.
Notably, counsel for the ICPC, Osuebeni Akpomisingha, raised no objection to the takeover of the case. Similarly, the defence team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation Kanu Agabi (SAN) and comprising an impressive roster of 15 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, did not oppose the move. Following an application for adjournment by Oyedepo, which Agabi also did not contest, the presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, adjourned the matter until February 24 for arraignment.
Background: The London Property Dispute
This case is intricately linked to a long-running property dispute involving a London property connected to the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jeremiah Useni. The Federal High Court in Abuja had previously fixed January 26 to rule on the final forfeiture of the property after no individual or representative of Useni's estate appeared within the statutory 14-day period to show cause why it should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Forfeiture Proceedings and Allegations
The forfeiture proceedings originated from an ex parte application filed in late 2025 by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The CCB sought an interim forfeiture and preservation order, alleging that the property was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity. On November 28, Justice Binta Nyako granted the interim forfeiture order and directed the CCB to advertise it in a national newspaper within 14 days to allow any interested party to come forward and establish legitimate ownership.
The Disputed Property and Competing Claims
The property in question, located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, has been at the center of legal proceedings involving Ozekhome and the late Useni, a retired Lieutenant-General. The matter was also filed before the UK First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration under case number ref/2023/0155, with Tali Shani named as the applicant and Ozekhome as the respondent.
Competing claims were vigorously presented over the ownership of the property. Ozekhome asserted that he received the house as a gift from Mr Tali Shani in 2021. In contrast, lawyers representing Ms Tali Shani maintained that she was the rightful owner. A witness identified as Mr Tali Shani testified in support of Ozekhome, claiming he had powers of attorney over the property and had transferred it to him. He further claimed ownership of the property from 1993 and stated that he later appointed Useni as his property manager, describing him as an elder friend and business partner.
Documentary Evidence and Tribunal Ruling
Witnesses for Ms Tali Shani tendered several documents to support her claim of ownership, including:
- An obituary announcement
- National Identification Number card
- ECOWAS passport
- Phone number records
However, the tribunal found these documents to be fake and subsequently dismissed all claims, ruling that neither Mr nor Ms Tali Shani existed. This ruling has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal saga, which now sees the Attorney General taking direct control of the prosecution as the case moves forward.
