Follow Us on Google
•Court grants N10m bail, withholds defendants’ passports
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, arraigned a prominent lawyer, Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, alongside Ponfa Useni and the late Jeremiah Useni before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged forgery and related offences.
The defendants were brought before Justice C.N. Oji on a 12-count amended 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, and urged the court to substitute it for the initial charge filed on February 24, 2026.
According to the Head of Media and Publicity, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, Oyedepo also drew attention to the proof of evidence attached to the amended charge and requested that the defendants take their pleas.
According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2020 in Abuja to produce a false Nigerian international passport bearing 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 located at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom.
They were further accused of conspiring in 2022 to use the allegedly forged passport as genuine in pursuit of the said property claim.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Penal Code Act applicable in the Federal Capital Territory.
Other News
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following their plea, the prosecution requested accelerated hearing of the case, citing the importance of the matter to the legal profession and the public.
Oyedepo, however, informed the court that the prosecution would not oppose the bail applications already filed by the defendants.
Counsel to the first defendant, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, urged the court to grant bail on self-recognition, noting that his client is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with over 45 years of legal practice and a known resident of Abuja.
Similarly, counsel to the second defendant, Onoja, SAN, appealed for liberal bail conditions, stating that his client has a serious heart condition and had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.
In her ruling, Justice Oji granted each defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with one reasonable surety who must own property in Abuja.
The court also ordered that their international passports be deposited with the court.
The matter was adjourned to March 13 and April 15 and 16, 2026, for trial and was granted accelerated hearing.
