Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and co-defendant Ponfa Useni have been released after meeting their bail conditions.
The duo was granted bail by the FCT High Court on Saturday following their arraignment on forgery charges.
Presiding in Maitama, the court set bail conditions at N10m each with a requirement for sureties owning property within the FCT and the surrender of their travel documents.
Ozekhome and his co-defendant have met the bail conditions to secure their release and have since been released.
The 12-count suit, led by the Ministry of Justice, alleges the duo forged documents to claim ownership of a London-based property.
Ozekhome and Useni have maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to all counts.
Ozekhome (the first defendant), was represented by Chief Tayo Oyetibo (SAN),who appeared with many other Senior Advocates,including Chief Paul Erokoro, Chief Abeni Mohammed, Sylva Ogwemoh, Prince Yusuf Asamah Kadiri, A.A.Malik,Chief Clement Onwuenwunor, Chief C.A.C.Oshomegie, and many other members of the outer Bar.
They include Mr. Rex Erameh, Anthony Anene,A.B Ige Asemudara, Iribor Sanami,Jeff Kadiri, Godwin Iyinbor, Akintayo Balogun, Fatima Audu, Eustace Nwaozwu,Queen Ubokutom Umana, Oluchi Vivian Uche and Oshomha Mike- Ozekhome. Others included Jemilat Kassim Ali,Ighodalo Aigbobo,Sheriff Adele,Dino Melaye, Ibimina Sokari, and C.N.Umeh.
The second defendant,Ponfa Useni, aka Mr Tali Shani, was represented by Mr. F.R. Onoja (SAN) who led other lawyers.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), while not opposing their bail applications, however urged the court to impose such conditions as would ensure attendance of court by the defendants.
Chief Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) urged the court to grant Chief Ozekhome bail in self recognizance or in very liberal terms as he has been on administrative bail by the EFCC and ICPC without breaching the bail conditions.
The court has fixed hearing for March 13, April 15 and 16, 2026.
Author
Leave a comment