The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a 14-day publication calling for anyone with legal claims to a London property linked to the late former FCT Minister, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni (rtd.), to come forward or risk forfeiture of the property to the Nigerian government.
Justice Binta Nyako issued the interim order after granting an ex-parte application filed by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which is investigating the legitimacy of the property acquired during Useni’s time in public office.
DOWNLOAD: Full Court Ruling on Useni’s London Property (PDF)
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The property, located at 79 Randall Avenue, London, was purchased in 1993 under the name “Philips Bincan,” an alias the late Useni admitted using before his death in 2025. The CCB told the court that the use of a pseudonym and unclear ownership trail raised red flags about compliance with Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
According to the ruling, a national newspaper must publish the court order for 14 days to allow any individual or entity with credible ownership documents to show cause. If no valid claim is presented within the period, the court may proceed with a final forfeiture order.
The development follows a September 11, 2025 ruling by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in London, which found that the property’s title had been subjected to multiple forged claims.
The Tribunal dismissed attempts by lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and alleged businessman Tali Shani to transfer the title, describing the documents they submitted as inconsistent and fraudulent.
The UK Tribunal also directed the Land Registry to reverse the attempted transfer after a 2024 video testimony from the late Useni confirmed he owned the property and had no dealings with the claimants.
The Nigerian government is now pursuing legal steps that could result in permanent forfeiture once the 14-day publication period lapses.
