RismadarVoice Reporters, February 27, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday arraigned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, alongside Ponfa Useni and the late General Jeremiah Useni, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged forgery and related offences.
The defendants were brought before Justice C.N. Oji on a 12-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
The charges stem from allegations that the defendants forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to support a claim of ownership of a property located at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom.
At the commencement of proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to substitute the amended charge dated February 25, 2026, for the earlier charge filed on February 24, 2026.
He also asked the court to adopt the accompanying proof of evidence and direct the defendants to take their pleas.
One of the counts alleges that the defendants conspired in 2020 to produce a false Nigerian international passport bearing the name “Tali Shani,” purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, with the intent of using it to facilitate their claim to the UK property.
Another count accuses them of conspiring in 2022 to use the said passport as genuine for the same purpose.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the pleas, the prosecution called for accelerated hearing of the matter, stating that significant interests were at stake, including those of the legal profession.
The prosecution, however, informed the court that it would not oppose the bail applications filed by the defendants.
Counsel to the first defendant, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, requested that his client be granted bail on self-recognition, citing his status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with over 45 years of legal practice.
Counsel to the second defendant also appealed for liberal bail terms, noting his client’s health condition.
In her ruling, Justice Oji granted each defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with one reasonable surety who must own property in Abuja.
The court also ordered that their international passports be deposited with the court.
The matter was adjourned to March 13 and April 15 and 16, 2026, for trial, with the court indicating that the case would receive accelerated hearing.
