From Victor Osula, Abuja
A First-Tier Tribunal in London has dismissed attempts by Nigerian constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, and one Tali Shani to claim ownership of a disputed property linked to the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, General Jeremiah Useni.
The property in contention, located at 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, north London, became subject of litigation after Ozekhome applied to register it in his name, claiming it was gifted to him by Useni in appreciation of legal services.
However, before the process could be finalised, Shani lodged an objection at the HM Land Registry on September 26, 2022, insisting she was the rightful proprietor and had never authorised the transfer.
The case, marked Ref 2023/0155, was later referred to the tribunal for adjudication.
Ozekhome argued that “Tali Shani” was a fictitious identity invented to fraudulently wrest control of the property.
He maintained that the transfer was a legitimate gift from Useni and not a financial transaction.
Testifying via video link before his death, Useni said he purchased the property in 1993 for £110,000 under the name “Philips Bincan,” stressing it was intended as a family home.
He dismissed any claims linking Shani to the property, adding that he only encountered someone by that name much later in life.
Delivering judgment on September 11, 2025, Judge Ewan Paton struck out Shani’s case, describing her claim of purchasing the property at age 20 as “implausible and unconvincing.”
He noted that documents provided contradicted her assertions, while Useni’s evidence was consistent and credible.
The tribunal also dismissed Ozekhome’s claim, holding that neither party had proven ownership. Instead, it ruled that the true owner was General Useni, who had registered the property under a false name.
“The final outcome of this case, therefore, is that both parties have failed,” Judge Paton stated.
“Neither ‘Tali Shani’ was who they claimed to be, and neither was the person who purchased this property in 1993. The real owner, via a false name, was General Jeremiah Useni.”
The court ruled that ownership of the property now passes to those with a valid grant of probate or administration of Useni’s English assets.
On costs, the judge held that there would be no order, stating that Shani’s claim was non-existent and Ozekhome’s case ultimately unsuccessful.
