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The legal community in Nigeria is buzzing following a dramatic turn of events in the trial of prominent constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Mike Ozekhome. On February 24, 2026, the Federal Government (FG) intensified its legal offensive, filing a fresh 12-count criminal charge against the senior lawyer at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
This move comes immediately after the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) withdrew an earlier three-count charge initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The escalation from 3 to 12 counts suggests a more comprehensive and aggressive prosecution strategy by the state.
The Core of the Allegations: The London Property Saga
At the heart of this high-profile case is a disputed property located at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom. The Federal Government alleges that Mike Ozekhome conspired with Ponfa Useni, the son of the late former FCT Minister, General Jeremiah Useni, to use fraudulent means to claim ownership of the London residence.
According to the new charge sheet signed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the defendants allegedly conspired between 2020 and 2021 to:
- Procure a False Passport: Create a forged Nigerian International Passport (No. A07535463) bearing the name "Tali Shani."
- Deceive Foreign Tribunals: Use the said forged document to support claims of property ownership before the London First-Tier Tribunal.
- Abet Fraudulent Acts: Assist in a web of activities designed to misrepresent the true ownership of the asset linked to the late General Useni.
The Strategic Withdrawal and Re-filing
Earlier on Tuesday morning, the case took a brief pause when the prosecution informed Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court that they were withdrawing the original charges filed by the ICPC. This withdrawal was done under Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
However, any relief for the defense was short-lived. The DPPF explained that the withdrawal was not a sign of the case falling apart but a procedural step to "strengthen and review" the case file. By evening, the 12-count charge was officially filed, significantly broadening the legal hurdles for Ozekhome and his co-defendant.
A Star-Studded Defense vs. Federal Might
The courtroom atmosphere has been nothing short of electric. Mike Ozekhome, a veteran of many legal wars himself, is being represented by a formidable team of lawyers led by former AGF Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Paul Erokoro (SAN), often appearing with dozens of other Senior Advocates and junior lawyers.
The defense maintains that the charges are a distraction and that the legal processes will eventually vindicate the senior lawyer. They have previously noted that the property in question has been a subject of various litigations and that their client acted within the bounds of his professional duties.
What Happens Next?
With the new charges now on the court's docket, a fresh date for arraignment is expected to be set soon. The prosecution has indicated its readiness to call several witnesses, including investigators and officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), to testify on the alleged passport forgery.
This trial is set to be one of the most significant legal battles of 2026, as it pits one of Nigeria's most vocal human rights activists and lawyers against the machinery of the federal government in a case that crosses international borders.
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