Regulatory fraud charges

Mike Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni Arraigned on Forgery Charges

Analysis based on 24 articles · First reported Feb 27, 2026 · Last updated Feb 28, 2026

Sentiment

-20

Attention

Articles

Market Impact

Direct

Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the NewsDesk Dashboard

Market Impact

This event, involving prominent legal and political figures, could slightly increase perceived legal and regulatory risks in Nigeria, particularly concerning property disputes and document authenticity. While not a major market mover, it highlights potential governance issues that could deter some foreign investment in the long term.

Legal Services Real Estate

Event Summary

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni, son of the late General Jeremiah Useni, have been arraigned before a Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on a 12-count criminal charge. The charges, filed by the Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation, include alleged forgery of an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, as well as impersonation. These documents were reportedly used to claim ownership of a London property linked to the late General Jeremiah Useni, using the fictitious name 'Tali Shani'. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted N10 million bail each, with conditions including providing a surety with property in the FCT and depositing their international passports with the court. The case has been adjourned for trial, with accelerated hearing requested by the prosecution. This follows a previous withdrawal of similar charges by the Nigeria===Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

Key Actions

95 Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation filed 12-count criminal charge Mike Ozekhome

95 Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation filed 12-count criminal charge Ponfa Useni

90 Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation filed 12-count criminal charges Mike Ozekhome

90 Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation filed 12-count criminal charges Ponfa Useni

85 Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory granted bail at N10 million each Mike Ozekhome

85 Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory granted bail at N10 million each Ponfa Useni

80 Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory granted N10 million bail Mike Ozekhome

80 Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory granted N10 million bail Ponfa Useni

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Entities Involved

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Mike Ozekhome

Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has been arraigned on 12-count charges including forgery and impersonation related to a London property dispute. He pleaded not guilty and was granted N10 million bail. This event negatively impacts his professional reputation and could affect his legal practice.

Importance 90 Sentiment -50

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Ponfa Useni

Ponfa Useni, son of the late Jeremiah Useni, faces similar 12-count charges of forgery and impersonation in connection with the London property dispute. He also pleaded not guilty and was granted N10 million bail. His involvement in the alleged fraud could damage his personal and professional standing.

Importance 85 Sentiment -50

govactor

Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation

The office of the Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation filed the 12-count criminal charges against Mike Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni. This entity represents the federal government's legal action in this case.

Importance 75 Sentiment 0

govactor

Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory

The Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory is the judicial body presiding over the arraignment and bail hearing of Mike Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni. Its rulings and proceedings are central to the legal process of this event.

Importance 70 Sentiment 0

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Jeremiah Useni

The late General Jeremiah Useni is implicated in the property dispute, with allegations that the London property was unlawfully obtained using a fictitious name, 'Tali Shani'. Although deceased, the ongoing legal proceedings could posthumously affect his legacy and the reputation of his family.

Importance 60 Sentiment -30

govactor

Nigeria===Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

The Nigeria===Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) previously granted administrative bail to the defendants and held Mike Ozekhome's international passport. The EFCC's involvement highlights the broader governmental scrutiny of financial crimes.

Importance 40 Sentiment 0

govactor

Nigeria===Independent Corrupt Practices Commission

The Nigeria===Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) had previously filed charges against Mike Ozekhome on the same issue, which were later withdrawn by the Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation. This indicates a coordination or shift in prosecution strategy.

Importance 30 Sentiment 0

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Relationships

Mike Ozekhome related ↔ Ponfa Useni

Ponfa Useni related ↔ Jeremiah Useni

Mike Ozekhome related ↔ Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation

Ponfa Useni related ↔ Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation

Mike Ozekhome related ↔ Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory

Ponfa Useni related ↔ Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory

Nigeria===High Court of the Federal Capital Territory related ↔ Nigeria===Attorney-General of the Federation

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