The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on Friday, February 27, 2026, arraigned Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome SAN, Ponfa Useni and General Jeremiah Useni, now deceased, before Justice C. N. Oji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on allegations of forging documents and a Nigerian international passport to support a claim of ownership of a property in the London.
They faced a twelve count amended charge that covers conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence. During proceedings, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo SAN informed the court of the amended charge dated February 25, 2026 and asked that it replace the earlier charge filed on February 24, 2026. He also referenced the proof of evidence, marked pages 1 to 501, and urged the court to adopt the amended filing so the defendants could enter their pleas.
One of the charges alleges that in 2020 the defendants agreed to produce a false Nigerian international passport bearing the name Tali Shani, purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, with the intention of using it to support a claim to the property at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2. Another count alleges that in 2022 they conspired to present the same passport as genuine for the same purpose. Both counts cite violations of Section 96 and Section 364 of the Penal Code Act.
All defendants pleaded not guilty. Following this, the prosecution noted that their plea placed them before the court for trial under Section 273 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. He requested accelerated hearing in the interest of society, the defence and the legal profession, and confirmed that although bail applications had been served, the prosecution would not oppose them.
Counsel to the first defendant, Tayo Oyetibo SAN, acknowledged the prosecution’s position on bail and assured the court of cooperation to ensure quick determination of the case. He asked that his client be granted bail on self recognition, pointing to his status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with more than forty five years of legal practice, his residence in Abuja and his established profile known to the Attorney General of the Federation.
