Mike Ozekhome granted N10 million bail in 12-count forgery case over London property claim, alongside co-defendant Ponfa Useni

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja has granted bail of N10 million each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge.

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The charges, brought by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, allege that the defendants forged documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, to claim a property in London allegedly acquired unlawfully by the late General Jeremiah Useni.

Ozekhome and Useni pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) did not oppose the bail applications submitted by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Ozekhome and F. R. Onoja (SAN) for Useni.

Justice Chizoba Oji granted bail with the condition of a surety for each defendant who must own property in the FCT. The court also ordered both to deposit their international passports.

Since the proceedings occurred on a Friday, the judge permitted the defendants to return home temporarily if they could not immediately meet the bail conditions, with the requirement to complete formalities by Monday.

Failure to comply would result in imprisonment.

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The case remains ongoing, with the court scheduled to continue hearings in the coming weeks.