A London First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) has dismissed an ownership claim on a property allegedly linked to the late General Jeremiah Useni, Nigeria’s former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The case was brought by one Tali Shani, who challenged human rights lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome’s attempt to register ownership of the property at 79 Randall Avenue, London, which he said had been gifted to him by Gen. Useni.
The tribunal struck out the case after finding that the applicant “likely never existed” and had relied on forged documents, including fake identity papers and a death certificate.
Background
Chief Ozekhome applied in August 2021 to register a transfer of the property, purportedly signed by “Tali Shani.” But before registration was completed, someone claiming to be Shani appeared before the tribunal, denying knowledge of the transfer and insisting she was the rightful owner.
The matter was referred to the tribunal by the UK Land Registry in February 2023. Representing himself after his legal team withdrew, Ozekhome argued that “Shani” was a phantom identity created to fraudulently seize the property.
He testified that the property was gifted to him by Gen. Useni in appreciation of past legal services. The late general, testifying by video before his passing, confirmed he bought the London property in 1993 and denied any connection to a “Tali Shani.”
Tribunal findings
The tribunal ruled that the claims advanced under the name “Tali Shani” were implausible and riddled with contradictions, including conflicting purchase names and unconvincing financial explanations.
It concluded that Gen. Useni was the true owner of the property, but since he had passed away, neither party could prove valid ownership. The tribunal therefore directed the Chief Land Registrar to reject Ozekhome’s transfer application.
Wider context
The case underscores a broader pattern of land and property fraud in Nigeria and abroad, often involving forged certificates, false IDs, and impersonation.
Similar disputes are ongoing in Lekki, Lagos, where lawyers and developers have been indicted over forged Certificates of Occupancy and willful property destruction.
In many of these cases, courts and tribunals are forced to untangle webs of false documentation and impersonation, with victims often abroad or unable to appear in person.
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