Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has taken into custody prominent Nigerian constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, as part of an ongoing investigation into a disputed United Kingdom property transaction linked to what investigators and legal sources describe as the “Tali Shani affair.” The arrest reportedly followed the striking out of an earlier forgery charge by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, although law enforcement authorities indicated that prosecution efforts connected to the matter remain active.
Stone Reporters note that the case has generated significant legal and public interest because it involves cross-border property claims, contested identity documentation, and allegations of fraudulent transfer instruments associated with a London real estate asset located at 79 Randall Avenue, NW2 7SX. Investigators are examining competing narratives surrounding ownership and contractual representation relating to the property.
The detention was carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s primary financial crimes enforcement body, following what officials described as further evidentiary review linked to the property dispute. The commission has not publicly released a detailed charge sheet at the time of reporting, but legal circles anticipate additional indictments as prosecutorial preparation advances.
Central to the controversy is the allegation that Ozekhome claimed ownership interest in the London property after asserting that it was gifted to him in 2021 by an individual identified in documents as “Mr. Tali Shani.” Investigators and opposing legal parties have challenged this claim, arguing that documentary evidence supporting the transfer may have been forged or obtained under questionable circumstances.
Prosecutors have previously alleged that identity instruments, including a Nigerian international passport bearing the number A07535463, were connected to the disputed transaction. Authorities contend that the document may have been used to support contractual assertions related to the property ownership claim. Legal filings suggest that counts of conspiracy, impersonation, and forgery are among the offences being examined, though court adjudication remains pending.
The broader legal dispute also intersects with estate interests associated with the late Jeremiah Useni, whose estate was previously linked to historical ownership discussions surrounding the London property. Tribunal proceedings in the United Kingdom reportedly uncovered inconsistencies in supporting documentation submitted by competing claimants, leading to dismissal of some asserted title arguments within the UK property chamber framework.
Stone Reporters note that the investigation highlights the growing complexity of transnational property litigation involving Nigerian public figures and foreign real estate assets. Legal analysts explain that international property disputes often require coordination between domestic criminal investigators, foreign civil tribunals, and forensic document examiners.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the dispute involves multiple layers of legal interpretation, including the validity of alleged gift transfer agreements, authentication of supporting identity records, and the legal authority of individuals who claim representation rights over the asset. The First-tier Tribunal Property Chamber in the United Kingdom had previously encountered conflicting submissions relating to the property’s ownership history.
Ozekhome’s legal representatives have maintained that the senior advocate acquired the property through legitimate professional settlement arrangements for legal services rendered. His defence position asserts that all relevant documentation was provided to investigative authorities and that no further explanation beyond prior submissions is necessary.
However, federal prosecutors argue that preliminary investigation findings suggest possible criminal intent involving document manipulation and misrepresentation. The prosecution’s fresh 12-count charge filed by the federal government reportedly includes allegations covering conspiracy, forgery, and unlawful property control spanning activities between 2020 and 2025.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has reportedly taken over aspects of the prosecution from earlier anti-corruption agencies, consolidating legal oversight of the case. This procedural decision reflects government interest in ensuring unified litigation management of the cross-agency investigation.
Legal observers have described the matter as particularly significant because it involves a senior member of Nigeria’s legal profession. Senior Advocates of Nigeria occupy a distinguished position within the country’s judicial ecosystem, and criminal allegations against such figures often attract heightened institutional and public scrutiny.
The arrest has also sparked debate among civil society actors concerning due process protections and the presumption of innocence. Advocacy groups have called for transparent judicial proceedings while emphasising that investigative authorities must avoid perception of selective enforcement in high-profile cases.
Police and EFCC officials have not confirmed the exact detention location of the lawyer but indicated that he is expected to appear in court once prosecutorial procedures are finalised. Sources suggest that formal arraignment could occur as soon as additional charges are operationally ready.
Cross-border property disputes such as the Tali Shani affair illustrate the legal challenges associated with international estate transactions involving Nigerian citizens. Experts in international private law argue that clearer regulatory documentation standards and stronger verification protocols are necessary to reduce fraudulent transfer risks.
The controversy has also reignited discussions about ethical standards within the legal profession and the responsibility of lawyers in managing property representation cases that involve multiple jurisdictions.
At the time of reporting, the EFCC has not issued a comprehensive public briefing detailing the evidence basis for the detention, and Ozekhome’s defence team has yet to release an extensive statement addressing the latest arrest development.
Stone Reporters note that the trajectory of the case will depend heavily on forthcoming court proceedings, prosecutorial disclosure, and judicial evaluation of documentary and testimonial evidence.
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