The trial of Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Ponfa Useni, and the late General Jeremiah Useni is set to commence on March 13, 2026, before Justice C.N. Oji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, following their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The defendants were arraigned on Friday, February 27, 2026, on a 12-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and false pretence.
They pleaded not guilty to all counts.
At the proceedings, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court of a 12-count amended charge dated February 25, 2026, urging the court to substitute it for the earlier charge filed on February 24, 2026.
He also referenced evidence totaling 501 pages and requested that the defendants enter their pleas.
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According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2020 and 2022 to forge and use a false Nigerian International Passport bearing the name “Tali Shani” to support a claim of ownership of a property located at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom.
Following their not guilty plea, the prosecution urged the court to grant accelerated hearing in the interest of justice and the legal profession, noting that bail applications filed by the defence would not be opposed.
Counsel to the first defendant, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and counsel to the second defendant, Onoja, SAN, both thanked the prosecution for not opposing bail and assured the court of their clients’ cooperation.
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 passports be deposited in court custody.
The case was adjourned to March 13, 2026, for commencement of trial, with additional dates fixed for April 15 and 16, 2026, as the court granted accelerated hearing of the matter.
