A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday granted bail in the sum of N10 million each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge bordering on alleged forgery.
The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, accusing the defendants of forging documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, allegedly used to lay claim to a London property said to have been unlawfully procured by the late Jeremiah Useni.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bail Conditions
In a brief ruling, Justice Chizoba Oji admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N10 million each with one surety each. The sureties, the court ruled, must own property within the Federal Capital Territory.
The judge further ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court as part of the bail conditions.
Justice Oji noted that since the proceedings were conducted on a Friday, the defendants would be allowed to return home if unable to perfect their bail conditions immediately. However, she directed them to report back to court on Monday to complete the process.
She warned that failure to perfect the bail conditions by the stipulated date would result in their remand in a correctional facility.
Prosecution and Defence Positions
The prosecution was led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, who did not oppose the bail applications moved on behalf of the defendants.
Ozekhome’s bail application was presented by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), while Ponfa Useni was represented by F.R. Onoja (SAN). Both defence counsels urged the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms, arguing that the defendants were reputable individuals who would not interfere with the course of justice.
The absence of opposition from the prosecution streamlined the bail proceedings, allowing the court to issue its ruling shortly after arguments were heard.
Allegations in the Charge
According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of forging key legal documents purportedly used in asserting ownership claims over a property located in London.
The prosecution alleges that the documents — including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney — were falsified to facilitate the claim over the said property.
The property in dispute was reportedly linked to the late Jeremiah Useni, although further details of the alleged unlawful procurement were not fully disclosed during Friday’s proceedings.
Legal analysts note that forgery-related offences, particularly those involving international assets and official documents, carry serious criminal implications under Nigerian law if proven.
Legal Implications
The case adds to ongoing high-profile legal proceedings involving senior members of the Nigerian legal community. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ozekhome holds one of the highest legal ranks in the country, a designation reserved for distinguished legal practitioners.
The court’s decision to grant bail reflects established judicial principles that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Bail is typically granted unless there is a compelling reason to deny it, such as risk of flight or interference with witnesses.
By ordering the surrender of international passports and requiring property-owning sureties within the FCT, the court imposed conditions aimed at ensuring the defendants’ availability for trial.
Next Steps
The matter is expected to proceed with further hearings after the defendants perfect their bail conditions. The court is likely to set a trial date during subsequent proceedings.
Legal observers say the case could hinge on documentary evidence and expert testimony regarding the authenticity of the disputed documents.
As of the time of filing this report, additional details of the prosecution’s evidence and witness list had not been made public.
The court’s directive requiring the defendants to report back on Monday underscores the urgency attached to compliance with bail conditions.
Further developments are expected as the trial unfolds.
