Court Grants N10m Bail to Mike Ozekhome, Co-Defendant Over Alleged Forgery

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama has granted bail to prominent constitutional lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, also known as Mr. Tali Shani.

The court admitted both defendants to bail in the sum of N10 million each, with one surety required to own landed property within the FCT. The court also ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court registrar.

The ruling came shortly after their arraignment on a 12-count charge filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation. The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) of the Federal Ministry of Justice, alleged forgery of documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, reportedly linked to a property dispute in London.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ozekhome was represented by Chief Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), alongside several Senior Advocates of Nigeria and members of the Bar. Useni was represented by F.R. Onoja (SAN), who led his legal team.

Although the prosecution did not oppose the bail applications, it urged the court to impose conditions that would ensure the defendants’ attendance at trial. Defence counsel, however, requested liberal terms, noting that Ozekhome had previously complied with administrative bail conditions granted by anti-graft agencies.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to March 13 and April 15 and 16, 2026, for further hearing.

The defendants have since met their bail conditions and were released.

The case has drawn significant public interest, given Ozekhome’s longstanding role in legal advocacy and national discourse on constitutionalism and human rights. Further proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.