The federal government’s decision to file criminal charges against Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has placed renewed national focus on the principle that no individual—regardless of professional stature—is above the law, as Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions pursue a case with significant cross-border implications.
The three-count charge, filed on Friday before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation, marks a major escalation in a long-running legal dispute linked to a property in the United Kingdom.
According to court documents, the prosecution—led by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, head of ICPC’s high-profile prosecution unit, alongside Ngozi Onwuka—alleges that the senior lawyer knowingly used forged documents to assert ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London, during proceedings before the London First-Tier Tribunal.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred in August 2021, spanning both London and Maitama, Abuja, bringing them within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court.
In the first count, prosecutors allege that Ozekhome knowingly received the disputed property from Shani Tali, an act they contend amounted to a felony under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws. The offence is cited as contrary to Section 13 and punishable under Section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
A second count accuses him of making a false document—specifically a Nigerian international passport allegedly bearing the name of Shani Tali—with intent to fraudulently advance his ownership claim. This count references violations of Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code applicable in the FCT.
The third charge relates to the alleged use of forged documents and attempted deception of a public authority, a matter prosecutors say will be fully addressed during trial proceedings.
The federal government has lined up multiple witnesses, including ICPC investigators and officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), while documents expected to be tendered include the London tribunal judgment, immigration records, correspondence, and extra-judicial statements. A trial date is yet to be fixed.
The charges arise from a contentious property dispute involving the late Jeremiah Useni, a retired lieutenant-general and former minister. In its ruling, the London First-Tier Tribunal held that Useni was the true owner of the property, allegedly operating through a false identity.
Beyond the courtroom, the case is being closely watched as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to legal accountability, especially where alleged misconduct intersects international jurisdictions and involves senior members of the legal profession.
As proceedings unfold, legal observers say the outcome could carry lasting implications for professional ethics, anti-corruption enforcement, and Nigeria’s credibility in transnational legal cooperation.