Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the final forfeiture of a property located at No. 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, London NW2 7SX, traced to the late Jeremiah Useni, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to the Federal Government.
In her ruling, Justice Nyako held that the motion on notice filed by counsel to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Sufyan Ahmad, was meritorious. The Court found that the property was reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity.
The Court had earlier granted an interim preservation order in November 2025, directing publication in a national newspaper to invite objections. Following compliance, no individual or entity came forward to contest ownership.
Supporting affidavits revealed that the UK First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) had confirmed Useni as the true beneficial owner of the property, acquired under a fictitious name to conceal his identity. Investigations by the CCB showed that the declared income of the late minister was grossly insufficient to justify the acquisition, and that the funds used were likely derived from unlawful activity.
Also mentioned in the dispute was Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome. The matter, filed before the UK First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) under reference REF/2023/0155, listed “Tali Shani” as applicant and Ozekhome as respondent.
The property was claimed by one “Ms. Tali Shani” on one hand and Ozekhome on the other. Ozekhome maintained that he received the property as a gift from “Mr. Tali Shani” in 2021, while counsel to “Ms. Shani” argued she was the rightful owner.
A witness identified as “Mr. Tali Shani” testified in support of Ozekhome, claiming ownership of the property since 1993 and asserting that he later appointed Jeremiah Useni as property manager. He further claimed to have transferred the property to Ozekhome under a power of attorney.
Conversely, witnesses for “Ms. Shani” tendered several documents—including an obituary notice, NIN card, ECOWAS passport, and phone records—to support her claim. However, the tribunal found all the documents fraudulent.
In its judgment, the tribunal dismissed all claims, ruling that neither “Mr.” nor “Ms.” Tali Shani existed, thereby confirming that the property was linked to the late Useni.
The Court therefore ordered the final forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
... Federal High Court Orders Final Forfeiture of UK Property Linked to Late Ex‑FCT Minister Useni ... Naijaonpoint.