Policymakers and legal observers say the fallout from a recent London court ruling involving senior Nigerian lawyer Mike Ozekhome SAN is far from over.
A civil society group, Justice Reform Project, has filed a petition against Ozekhome before Nigeria’s Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. The petition seeks an investigation into alleged professional misconduct linked to a North London property dispute.
Petitions were also filed against Ozekhome’s son, Osilama Ozekhome, London-based lawyer Kingsley Efemuai, and Mohammed Edewor. Three Nigerian senior advocates, Charles Candide-Johnson, Babatunde Ajibade and Babajide Ogundipe, joined the group as co-petitioners. The petition was submitted on October 27, 2025.
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The move followed a September 11 ruling by a London Property Tribunal. Judge Ewan Paton struck out claims made by Ozekhome and others over a property at 79 Randall Avenue, North London. The tribunal described the case as an abuse of judicial process.
Ozekhome had claimed the property was gifted to him in 2021 by one Tali Shani. He said the gift was compensation for legal services allegedly worth N100 million. The property was later linked to the estate of the late General Jeremiah Useni, a former Federal Capital Territory minister.
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A rival claim by a person identifying as Ms Tali Shani triggered a tribunal investigation. The probe uncovered conflicting documents and disputed identities. The judge ruled that the alleged Ms Shani never existed.
The tribunal found that the property was secretly purchased in 1993 by Useni. It ruled that the name Tali Shani was used as a front. Judge Paton said the case rested on forgery, impersonation and deception.
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The court rejected Ozekhome’s defence as contrived. It ruled that documents and witness statements were fabricated. The judge also questioned the role played by Ozekhome’s son in supporting the claims.
Following the ruling, Justice Reform Project accused Ozekhome of breaching Nigeria’s Rules of Professional Conduct. The group said his actions brought the legal profession into disrepute.
The petition accused Ozekhome of advancing false claims, misleading the tribunal and participating in tax evasion. It is alleged that he falsely declared that the property transfer involved no monetary consideration. The tribunal found that the claim was designed to avoid stamp duty.
The petition further alleged that Ozekhome pursued claims contradicted by his own witness, General Useni. It raised questions about fabricated witness statements and possible impersonation. The tribunal noted the withdrawal of a lawyer representing Ozekhome during proceedings.
Justice Reform Project said the conduct amounted to perjury and impersonation. It argued that the actions undermined public confidence in the legal profession. The group said the scandal damaged Nigeria’s global legal reputation.
The petition urged the disciplinary committee to investigate Ozekhome’s conduct. It also asked for appropriate sanctions if he is found guilty. The group said the case tests the profession’s commitment to accountability.
Click here to download the petition.
