Court Adjourns Final Forfeiture of Late Useni’s London Property to Feb 25
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings on the final forfeiture of a London property linked to the late Jeremiah Useni, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to February 25.
The Code of Conduct Bureau filed an ex parte application in 2025 seeking an interim forfeiture and preservation order over the property, alleging it was acquired with the proceeds of unlawful activity.
On November 28, Justice Binta Nyako granted the interim forfeiture order and directed the bureau to publish the order in a national newspaper within 14 days, inviting anyone with an interest in the property to establish lawful ownership.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to the CCB, Sufyan Ibrahim Ahmad, told the court that court processes had been served on the respondent and that proof of service was available.
However, Ahmad explained that attempts to serve the documents at Useni’s last known address in Jos, Plateau State, were unsuccessful as no family member was available.
He said the occupants of the property later provided the address of a law firm in the FCT, which in turn supplied the address of Useni’s daughter, on whom the processes were eventually served.
Justice Nyako noted that the court had not granted permission for substituted service.
The judge also asked whether Useni’s daughter was the legal administrator of his estate or the property in question, to which Ahmad replied in the negative.
He added that he was unaware whether the deceased left a will.
The court subsequently directed the CCB to file an application seeking leave for substituted service and adjourned the matter to February 25.
The property is located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.
The property dispute had earlier involved Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and the late Useni.
The matter was heard before the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) under case number REF/2023/0155, with Tali Shani listed as applicant and Ozekhome as respondent.
Ozekhome claimed the property was gifted to him in 2021 by one Mr Tali Shani.
Lawyers representing Ms Tali Shani had also claimed ownership of the property.
The tribunal later dismissed all claims, ruling that neither Mr nor Ms Tali Shani existed and that documents tendered in support of the claims were fake.
Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has filed a three-count charge against Ozekhome.
The charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, was filed on January 16.
At the FCT High Court in Maitama on Monday, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation had taken over prosecution of the case.
He said the AGF required time to study the case file.
The court adjourned the matter to February 24 for arraignment.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
