The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, in connection with an ongoing investigation into a disputed property in the United Kingdom widely known as the “Tali Shani affair.”
According to The Cable, sources familiar with the development disclosed that the senior lawyer was picked up shortly after a Federal Capital Territory High Court dismissed a forgery case previously instituted against him. He is reportedly expected to face fresh legal proceedings soon.
It was further learnt that the arrest is unrelated to a separate 12-count charge recently filed by the Federal Government concerning issues arising from the same property dispute.
The controversy revolves around a residential property situated at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, which became the subject of competing ownership claims involving Ozekhome and individuals identified as Tali Shani. The late retired Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Useni was also linked to the matter.
Documents showed that the dispute was heard before the United Kingdom First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration under case number REF/2023/0155, where Tali Shani appeared as the applicant while Ozekhome was named as respondent.
Ozekhome had claimed that the property was presented to him as a gift in 2021 by a man identified as Mr Tali Shani. However, lawyers representing Ms Tali Shani insisted that their client was the legitimate owner of the building.
During the tribunal proceedings, a witness identified as Mr Tali Shani testified in support of Ozekhome, stating that he held powers of attorney over the property and had lawfully transferred ownership to the senior advocate. The witness also claimed to have owned the property since 1993 and said he later appointed Useni as its manager, describing him as a trusted associate.
On the opposing side, witnesses backing Ms Tali Shani submitted various identification documents, including personal records and an obituary notice, to validate her claim. The tribunal, however, ruled that the documents were forged and subsequently dismissed the claims, concluding that neither Mr nor Ms Tali Shani could be verified as real persons.
Earlier, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had filed a three-count charge before an FCT High Court on January 16, accusing Ozekhome of presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, during proceedings before the London tribunal to support his ownership claim.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation later took over the prosecution on January 26. At a subsequent hearing scheduled for arraignment, counsel to the AGF applied to withdraw the charge, informing the court that additional time was required to review evidence and harmonise findings from multiple investigative agencies before proceeding with the case.
