The Digest:
Prominent Nigerian lawyer Mike Ozekhome is facing criminal charges after allegedly submitting a forged letter from the Nigeria Immigration Service to a London tribunal to claim ownership of a North London property. The NIS has confirmed that the letter, purportedly signed by an assistant legal adviser, was fabricated and that no such officer exists. Ozekhome faces separate charges from the ICPC and EFCC, including forgery, impersonation, and making false documents. The property at 79 Randall Avenue was traced to the late General Jeremiah Useni, who admitted ownership before his death.
Key Points:
- Ozekhome submitted a forged NIS letter to a UK tribunal to authenticate a passport for "Tali Shani."
- NIS confirmed no officer named Abdulkadir Lawal works for the service.
- The passport booklet was reported stolen and never legitimately issued.
- ICPC filed three criminal charges; EFCC filed 12 charges, including forgery and impersonation.
- A court has frozen the property pending final forfeiture proceedings.
As Ozekhome faces multiple criminal charges across two courts, the case exposes an alleged web of forgery involving fraudulent identity documents and corrupt officials, raising serious questions about the integrity of legal practice.
Sources: Premium Times, Tribune
