The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday arraigned senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Ponfa Useni before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged forgery linked to a property in the United Kingdom.
Justice C.N. Oji heard that the defendants were brought before the court on a 12-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence. A third defendant, General Jeremiah Useni, was listed in the charge but is now deceased.
The court granted both defendants bail in the sum of N10 million each with one surety who must own property in Abuja. The judge also ordered that their international passports be deposited with the court and fixed March 13, April 15 and 16, 2026 for trial.
At the proceedings, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) urged the court to substitute the amended charge dated February 25, 2026 for the earlier one filed on February 24, 2026. He also asked the court to accept the proof of evidence attached to the amended charge and invite the defendants to take their pleas.
One of the counts alleged that the defendants conspired in 2020 in Abuja to make a false Nigerian international passport in the name “Tali Shani” to support a claim of ownership of a property located at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom.
Another count stated that they allegedly conspired in 2022 to use the same passport as genuine to facilitate their claim to the said property.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them.
Following their plea, the prosecution asked the court to give the matter accelerated hearing in the interest of justice, adding that it would not oppose the bail applications already filed by the defence.
Counsel to the first defendant, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), thanked the prosecution for not opposing bail and urged the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition, describing him as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with over 45 years of legal practice.
Counsel to the second defendant, Onoja (SAN), also appealed for lenient bail terms, stating that his client has a serious heart condition and had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.
Justice Oji granted bail but directed that each defendant must provide one reasonable surety with property in Abuja and deposit their passports with the court. She ordered that the case be given accelerated hearing and adjourned for trial.