EFCC Arraigns Ozekhome, Others Over Alleged Passport Forgery
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday arraigned senior lawyer Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, alongside Ponfa Useni and the late General Jeremiah Useni, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, over alleged forgery and conspiracy linked to a disputed property in the United Kingdom.
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.
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the amended charge dated February 25, 2026, replaced an earlier charge filed on February 24, 2026. He urged the court to accept the amended charge and accompanying proof of evidence spanning 501 pages and to invite the defendants to enter their pleas.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2020 to forge a Nigerian International Passport bearing No. A07535463 in the name “Tali Shani,” purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, to support a claim of ownership of a property located at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom.
They were further accused of conspiring in 2022 to use the allegedly forged passport as genuine in pursuit of the said property claim.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Oyedepo, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice System, called for accelerated hearing of the case, noting that the prosecution would not oppose the bail applications already filed by the defence.
Counsel to the first defendant, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, commended the prosecution for not opposing bail and requested that his client be granted bail on self-recognition, describing him as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with over 45 years of legal practice and a resident of Abuja.
Counsel to the second defendant, Onoja, SAN, also thanked the prosecution and appealed for liberal bail conditions, citing his client’s serious heart condition and previous administrative bail granted by the EFCC.
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 the defendants’ passports be deposited with the court and directed that the matter be given accelerated hearing.
The case was adjourned to March 13 and April 15–16, 2026, for trial.
The statement was signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, EFCC, on February 27, 2026.
