Disputed London Property:EFCC arrests Ozekhome
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, over his alleged involvement in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom popularly referred to as the “Tali Shani affair.”
It was learnt that Ozekhome was arrested shortly after a Federal Capital Territory High Court struck out a forgery charge earlier filed against him.
Sources who spoke with The Cable on the development said the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) may be charged in court at any moment.
The development followed Tuesday’s proceedings before the FCT High Court, where a three-count charge had been filed on January 16.
The charge, initially instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, accused Ozekhome of knowingly presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to support his claim of ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, during proceedings before the UK First-tier Tribunal.
It was learnt that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had taken over the case on January 26.
At the resumed hearing slated for Ozekhome’s arraignment, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the Attorney-General, applied to withdraw the charge.
He told the court that the AGF’s office required time to review and consolidate issues involving different investigating agencies to strengthen the case.
Consequently, the presiding judge, Peter Kekemeke, struck out the charge. However, shortly after the case was struck out, the EFCC arrested Ozekhome.
The controversy centres on a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.
The dispute was filed at the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration under case number REF/2023/0155, with Tali Shani listed as applicant and Ozekhome as respondent.
Also named in the dispute was Jeremiah Useni, a retired lieutenant-general who is now deceased.
The property had been claimed by one “Ms Tali Shani” on one hand and Ozekhome on the other.
Ozekhome maintained that he received the house as a gift from “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021, while lawyers representing “Ms Shani” insisted she was the rightful owner.
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A witness identified as “Mr Tali Shani” testified in favour of Ozekhome, claiming he had “Powers of Attorney” over the property and had transferred it to him.
He asserted ownership of the property from 1993 and said he later appointed Useni as his property manager, describing him as an “elder friend and business partner.”
On the other hand, documents including an obituary announcement, National Identification Number card, ECOWAS passport and phone records were tendered by witnesses for “Ms Tali Shani” to establish ownership.
However, the tribunal reportedly found the documents tendered on behalf of “Ms Tali Shani” to be fake.
In its ruling, the tribunal dismissed all claims, holding that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed.
