A UK tribunal has ruled that late Nigerian General Jeremiah Useni was the true owner of a North London house acquired under a false identity, rejecting competing claims from lawyer Mike Ozekhome and others.
LONDON — A United Kingdom property tribunal has ruled that a North London house linked to late Nigerian General Jeremiah Useni belongs to his estate, dismissing rival claims founded on forged documents and fictitious identities.
The property, at 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, was bought in 1993 under the false name “Tali Shani.” In testimony, Useni, a former FCT minister and ally of Sani Abacha, admitted he purchased the home with his funds but concealed ownership.
In 2021, a transfer document suggested the house had been conveyed to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome. He argued Useni, using the alias, had gifted it to him or offered it in recognition of legal services.
However, Judge Ewan Paton found the supporting papers—including death certificates and ID documents—were fabricated. “Neither ‘Tali Shani’ was who they said they were,” he ruled.
The tribunal ordered the land registrar to cancel Ozekhome’s registration, confirming the property passes to Useni’s estate.