The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially filed a three-count criminal charge against renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome. The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, center on allegations of fraud, forgery, and the use of false documents in relation to a high-value property located in North London.
Allegations of Property Fraud
The legal battle stems from a dispute over a residential building located at 79 Randall Avenue, London. According to the charge sheet marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, the ICPC alleges that in August 2021, Mr. Ozekhome “directly received” the property, which was purportedly given to him by an individual named Shani Tali. The commission contends that this transaction constitutes a felony under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.
Beyond the initial acquisition, the ICPC accuses the senior lawyer of orchestrating a complex scheme to cement his claim to the London residence. The second count alleges that Mr. Ozekhome forged a Nigerian international passport (number A07535463) bearing the name of Shani Tali. This document was allegedly created to mislead authorities and support his ownership claims. The third count further charges him with “dishonestly using as genuine” the said forged passport, despite having reason to believe the document was fraudulent.
The London Tribunal Precedent
These criminal charges follow a significant ruling by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in the United Kingdom in September 2025. Judge Ewan Paton, who presided over the case, delivered a scathing judgment that blocked Mr. Ozekhome from seizing the property. The tribunal found that the claim was built upon a “network of fraud, impersonation, and forged documents.”
A pivotal discovery during the UK proceedings was the revelation that the supposed donor, Shani Tali, did not exist in the capacity presented. The tribunal concluded that the late Jeremiah Useni, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was the actual purchaser of the property in 1993, using a false name. The court dismissed the claims of both “Mr.” and “Ms.” Shani Tali, effectively linking the senior lawyer to a fraudulent attempt to secure the asset.
Implications for the Legal Profession
The prosecution of a high-profile figure like Mike Ozekhome sends ripples through Nigeria’s legal community. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ozekhome has built a reputation as a prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights activist. However, the ICPC’s move signals a commitment to holding even the most influential legal practitioners accountable when faced with allegations of financial impropriety and forgery.
The case, filed by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, the head of the ICPC’s High Profile Prosecution Department, is yet to be assigned a trial date. As the legal proceedings unfold in Abuja, the exhibits expected to be tendered include the damning judgment from the London tribunal, extra-judicial statements, and the contested passport data.
This development highlights the increasing cross-border cooperation in tackling corruption and property fraud. It serves as a stark reminder that international property disputes can lead to local criminal prosecution, especially when allegations of forgery and deceit against public authorities are involved. All eyes will be on the Abuja High Court as one of Nigeria’s most recognizable legal voices prepares to defend his integrity against these grave allegations.
