January 26 Showdown: Federal High Court To Decide Ownership Of London Property Linked To Useni

The Federal High Court in Abuja will on January 26, 2026 deliver its ruling on the final forfeiture of a London property linked to the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, marking the climax of a protracted legal battle that spans Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

At the heart of the case is a residential property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London, whose ownership trail has been mired in controversy, disputed claims and allegations of forged documentation. The proceedings are being driven by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which is asking the court to permanently forfeit the property to the Federal Government of Nigeria, on the grounds that it was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity.

How the Case Began

In late 2025, the CCB approached the court with an ex parte application seeking an interim forfeiture and preservation order over the London house. Justice Binta Nyako granted the request and ordered that the forfeiture notice be published, inviting any individual or organisation with a legitimate interest in the property to appear and contest the application within 14 days.

No claimant came forward within the statutory window — including representatives of Useni’s estate — effectively clearing the path for the court to consider a final forfeiture order.

Disputed Ownership and Legal Claims

The property had been linked to Useni but was registered in the name of “Tali Shani,” a person later found by courts to be fictitious. The unusual registration sparked a series of legal challenges, including a claim by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who asserted that the house was gifted to him by Useni.

Those claims, however, came under intense scrutiny. Evidence presented in related proceedings suggested that the documents relied upon to support ownership claims were unreliable, raising serious questions about the true origin and control of the asset.

UK Rulings and Nigerian Action

The controversy extended beyond Nigeria. In the United Kingdom, a tribunal ruled that no individual known as “Tali Shani” existed and that the registration of the property under that name was invalid. The tribunal further held that Useni was the beneficial owner of the house, despite the use of aliases.

That decision strengthened the position of Nigerian authorities, who argue that the property forms part of assets that should lawfully revert to the state.

Criminal Charges Add Weight

Separately, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed criminal charges against Ozekhome, alleging the use of forged documents and a false passport in connection with the disputed London property. The charges have added a criminal dimension to what was initially a civil forfeiture process.

Why January 26 Matters

The judgment scheduled for January 26 is expected to determine whether the London property will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. Beyond ownership, the ruling is widely seen as a test of Nigeria’s resolve to pursue questionable assets abroad and enforce accountability, even where powerful political and legal figures are involved.

As the date approaches, the case has drawn growing attention within legal and political circles — not only for its high-profile names, but for what it represents in Nigeria’s broader campaign against illicit enrichment and asset concealment overseas.