Breaking: Mike Ozekhome Detained by EFCC, Faces Impending Charges

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and may face new charges, a senior intelligence source told Sahara Reporters on Tuesday.

Ozekhome is in EFCC detention and is set to face fresh charges,” the source revealed.

This development comes just hours after the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama struck out a three-count forgery case previously filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The suit related to allegations that Ozekhome forged documents concerning a disputed property in London, United Kingdom.

The case, filed under Charge No: FCT/HC/CR/010/26, was initially signed on January 16, 2026, by ICPC officials on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

At Tuesday’s arraignment, counsel to the AGF, Rotimi Oyedepo, requested the court to withdraw the charges, explaining that the AGF’s office needed time to review and consolidate matters involving multiple investigative agencies to strengthen the case. Following the application, Justice Peter Kekemeke struck out the suit.

Before its withdrawal, Ozekhome faced three counts: alleged receipt of property abroad, forgery, and fraudulent use of false documents.

• Count One alleged that in August 2021, while in London, Ozekhome received a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, reportedly from one Mr. Shani Tali, which prosecutors said violated the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

• Count Two accused him of forging a Nigerian passport in the name of Shani Tali to support claims of ownership over the property, contrary to the Penal Code applicable in the FCT.

• Count Three alleged that he used the falsified passport as a genuine document to substantiate his ownership claim, despite knowing it was false.

Earlier, Oyedepo assured the court that the matter would be prosecuted with “the highest standard of efficiency, effectiveness, diligence, and compliance with due process of law.”

The arraignment followed a September 2025 ruling by the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which determined that the disputed property belonged to the estate of the late General Jeremiah Useni. The tribunal dismissed claims by Ozekhome and individuals identifying as “Mr” and “Ms” Tali Shani (case number REF/2023/0155).

Judge Ewan Paton noted in his judgment: “I find that a large number of documents in this case have been produced or procured by forgery or deception,” citing fake identity documents, fraudulent witness statements, forged medical letters, and fabricated burial notices.

“The true owner, using a false name, was General Jeremiah Useni,” the tribunal concluded.