A United Kingdom tribunal has finally settled the long-running dispute over a North London property linked to the late General Jeremiah Useni, once a close ally of the late military ruler Sani Abacha.
The property, a house at 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, London, was bought in 1993 but registered under a fake name, “Tali Shani.”
Useni later admitted he used his own money to buy the house but never explained why he hid his identity.
In recent years, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome tried to register the house in his name.
He claimed the property had been given to him by Useni, either as a gift or as payment for legal services. His claim was backed by powers of attorney dated 2019 and 2020.
But confusion deepened when a woman appeared, also claiming to be “Tali Shani.”
Even after she was reported dead in 2024, her supposed son and cousin continued the fight.
The tribunal later found their documents, including death certificates and ID papers, to be forged.
Judge Ewan Paton ruled that both sides failed, stressing the house rightly belongs to Useni’s estate after his death in January 2025.
The tribunal has now left the matter in the hands of his legal heirs.
