The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, in connection with a controversial United Kingdom property dispute widely referred to as the “Tali Shani affair.”
As exclusively reported The Cable, sources familiar with the development said Ozekhome was taken into custody shortly after a Federal Capital Territory High Court struck out a forgery charge earlier instituted against him.
It was gathered that the senior lawyer may be arraigned any time soon.
Insiders also clarified that the arrest is separate from a fresh 12-count charge reportedly filed by the Federal Government on Tuesday over related allegations.
The dispute revolves around a property situated at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, United Kingdom.
Ozekhome and the late Jeremiah Useni, a retired lieutenant-general, were listed in proceedings before the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) under case number REF/2023/0155. The suit was initiated by one Tali Shani against Ozekhome.
At the heart of the matter were conflicting ownership claims between individuals identified as “Mr Tali Shani” and “Ms Tali Shani.”
Ozekhome had maintained that the property was gifted to him in 2021 by “Mr Tali Shani.” However, counsel representing “Ms Shani” insisted that she was the legitimate owner.
During the tribunal hearing, a witness identified as “Mr Tali Shani” testified in support of Ozekhome, claiming he held powers of attorney over the property and had lawfully transferred it to the senior advocate.
The witness further asserted that he acquired the property in 1993 and later appointed Useni as his property manager, describing him as an elder associate and business partner.
In contrast, representatives of “Ms Tali Shani” tendered several documents — including an obituary notice, National Identification Number card, ECOWAS passport and telephone records — in an attempt to substantiate her claim.
However, the tribunal reportedly declared the documents submitted in support of “Ms Shani” to be fraudulent and ultimately dismissed all claims, ruling that neither “Mr” nor “Ms” Tali Shani existed.
Earlier, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had filed a three-count charge before the FCT High Court on January 16, accusing Ozekhome of knowingly presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, during the London tribunal proceedings to back his ownership claim.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation subsequently took over the prosecution on January 26.
Counsel to the AGF, Rotimi Oyedepo, had assured the court of diligent prosecution in line with due process.
However, at the resumed sitting on Tuesday scheduled for Ozekhome’s arraignment, Oyedepo applied to withdraw the charge, informing the court that the AGF’s office required additional time to review and harmonise issues arising from investigations conducted by different agencies in order to properly consolidate the case.