EFCC Arraigns Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni Over Alleged Passport Forgery Linked to UK Property
EFCC Arraigns Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni Over Alleged Passport Forgery Linked to UK Property
EFCC Arraigns Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni Over Alleged Passport Forgery Linked to UK Property
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, February 27, 2026, arraigned Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, and Ponfa Useni before Justice C.N. Oji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged forgery of documents and a Nigerian international passport to facilitate ownership of a property in the United Kingdom.
General Jeremiah Useni was also listed in the charge but is deceased.
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The defendants were arraigned on an amended 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence. At the proceedings, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court of a 12-count amended charge dated February 25, 2026, urging its substitution for the earlier charge and tendering proof of evidence spanning pages 1 to 501.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2020 to forge a Nigerian international passport in the name “Tali Shani,” purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, with the intent of using it to support a claim of ownership of a property at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom. Another count alleges a 2022 conspiracy to use the same forged passport as genuine to advance the property claim.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution requested accelerated hearing, noting the public interest involved, and stated it would not oppose bail. Defence counsel Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and Onoja, SAN, welcomed the prosecution’s stance and sought liberal bail terms, citing the defendants’ profiles and health considerations.
Justice Oji granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦10 million with one surety owning property in Abuja, ordered that their passports be deposited with the court, and directed that the case receive accelerated hearing.
The matter was adjourned to March 13, and April 15–16, 2026, for trial.
EFCC Arraigns Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni Over Alleged Passport Forgery Linked to UK Property
