The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has submitted its proof of evidence, exhibits, and witness list for the trial of Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over allegations of fraud related to a London property formerly linked to the late General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.

The case, FCT/HC/CR/010/26, is being handled by the ICPC’s High Profile Prosecution Department, headed by Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, and arises from a petition following a UK First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber, Land Registration) judgment, which dismissed Ozekhome’s claim to a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.

According to the proof of evidence filed on January 16, 2026, the ICPC investigators, Mr. Wakili Joshua Musa and Mr. Tosin Olayiwola, will testify on the investigation process, including correspondence with banks, government agencies, and the Nigerian Immigration Service, which verified the authenticity of a passport under the name “Shani Tali”—used in Ozekhome’s property claim.

Other listed witnesses include ICPC officials Mr. Ebenezer Nduo and Ms. Blessing Monokpo, a representative of the Nigerian Immigration Service, and additional individuals to be subpoenaed as needed. Exhibits submitted include the UK tribunal judgment, Ozekhome’s extra-judicial statements, interim forfeiture proceedings, and documents linked to the disputed passport.

Ozekhome, 68, residing at No. 53 Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, faces three counts:

1. Receiving property abroad in August 2021, allegedly transferred by Mr. Shani Tali, in violation of Section 13 and Section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
2. Creating a false Nigerian passport to support his London property claim, contrary to Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code, FCT.
3. Using the falsified passport to substantiate the property claim, an offence under Sections 364 and 366 of the Penal Code.

The High Court has not yet scheduled a hearing date.

Background

The London property dispute began with the purchase of 79 Randall Avenue in 1993, registered under the name Tali Shani, a pseudonym concealing the true owner, late General Useni. The UK tribunal ruled in September 2025 that Useni was the rightful owner, dismissing Ozekhome’s claim and those of the “Shani” identities. Investigations uncovered forged documents and false identities, corroborated by evidence such as NIN checks and mobile phone bills.

Following the ruling, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) indicated plans to scrutinize complaints against senior lawyers, including Ozekhome, and prosecute misconduct when verified.

The ICPC’s move represents a high-profile effort to hold even prominent legal practitioners accountable, with the trial expected to draw considerable attention due to the international and political dimensions of the case.