The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday granted bail in the sum of N10 million each to Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, and Ponfa Useni following their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged forgery and related offences.
The defendants were brought before Justice C.N. Oji of the FCT High Court on a 12 count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and false pretence. The charge also listed General Jeremiah Useni, now deceased.
At the proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, drew the attention of the court to a 12 count amended charge dated February 25, 2026, urging the court to substitute it for the initial charge dated February 24, 2026.
“My lord, I also want to draw your attention to the proof of evidence filed alongside the documents marked page 1 to 501, that your lordship will accept the amended charge alongside the proof of evidence. We rely on them that your lordship will cause the defendants to take their pleas,” he said.
One of the counts alleged that the defendants, in 2020 in Abuja, agreed to make a false Nigerian International Passport No. A07535463 in the name Tali Shani, purportedly issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, with intent to use it to support a claim of ownership of a property located at No. 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom.
Another count stated that in 2022, they conspired to use the said passport as genuine to facilitate the same property claim.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to grant accelerated hearing in line with Section 273 of the Administration of Criminal Justice System, stating that “a lot are at stake in this proceedings, in the interest of the society, that of the defence and that of the legal profession.”
Oyedepo informed the court that the prosecution had been served with two bail applications and would not oppose them. He added that the commission was interested in ensuring speedy determination of the case.
Counsel to the first defendant, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, commended the prosecution for not opposing bail and requested that his client be admitted on self recognition. He told the court that Ozekhome is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with over 45 years legal experience, resides in Abuja and is known to the Attorney General of the Federation.
In the same vein, counsel to the second defendant, Onoja, SAN, appreciated the prosecution’s position and told the court that his client suffers from a serious heart condition. He noted that the EFCC had earlier granted him administrative bail on liberal terms.
“My short application is that he should be released to his wife in the same manner. I urge your lordship that you make the bail condition to be one surety who should be his spouse,” he said.
In her ruling, Justice Oji granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10 million each with one reasonable surety who must own property in Abuja. She also ordered that their passports be deposited with the court and directed that the matter be given accelerated hearing.
The case was adjourned to March 13, 2026, and April 15 and 16, 2026 for trial.
