FG Charges Mike Ozekhome Over Alleged Forgery in UK Property Dispute

The Federal Government has filed a criminal charge against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome over alleged forgery and the use of false documents in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom.

The case was filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, under the reference FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, by prosecutors from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The charge was brought by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, head of the ICPC prosecution department, and Ngozi Onwuka, assistant chief legal officer, acting for the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Ozekhome is accused of presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to support his claim to a London property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, during proceedings at the London First-Tier Tribunal.

The alleged offences are said to have occurred in August 2021, in the Maitama area of Abuja, and fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

Three Counts of Alleged Fraud

The charge sheet contains three counts, including:

1. Receiving property suspected to have been obtained through fraudulent means.
2. Creating a false passport document bearing the name Shani Tali.
3. Using the forged passport to support his claim of ownership.

The first count accuses Ozekhome of receiving the London property, which he allegedly knew was obtained through a criminal act, contrary to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The second and third counts, which relate to the alleged forgery and use of a false passport, are charged under the Penal Code (FCT) 2006.

Evidence and Witnesses Listed

The Federal Government listed several witnesses it intends to call, including investigators and a representative of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Documents listed for tendering as exhibits include:

• The London First-Tier Tribunal judgment
• Extra-judicial statements
• Letters from relevant authorities
• Passport data related to Shani Tali

The case has not yet been assigned a trial date.