Immigration service rejects passport in UK property dispute
Mike Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni are facing trial over allegations of forgery and impersonation related to a disputed London property. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) disowned a passport presented in the case, claiming it was not in their records. An NIS official testified that the passport did not follow the standard issuance process and could not be traced in their system. The case involves accusations of forging documents to support ownership claims for a London property.
What we know
- The NIS told a court that a passport issued in the name of Tali Shani was not found in their database.
- Aridegbe Akim, an NIS official, testified that the passport number A07535463 did not pass through the agency’s official process.
- The prosecution alleges that Mike Ozekhome, Ponfa Useni, and the late Jeremiah Useni forged the passport and used it to claim a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London.
- Charges include forgery, impersonation, and using false documents, including an international passport and a power of attorney.
- The trial judge, Justice Chizoba Oji, adjourned the matter till May 18, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
