A First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber, Land Registration) in London has delivered a landmark ruling in Tali Shani v. Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome (2025, UKFTT 01090 (PC)), clarifying ownership of a disputed London property and exposing alleged forgery and false identities.
Key Findings & Ruling
- The property in question, 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX (Title Number MX117803), was bought in 1993 by the retired General Jeremiah Useni under the alias “Tali Shani.” Chief Mike Ozekhome applied in August 2021 to register a transfer of the property to himself, claiming that the transfer was a gift from “Mr Tali Shani” in gratitude for legal services rendered.
- An individual claiming to be “Ms Tali Shani” then objected, asserting she was the registered owner and had not authorised the transfer. The claimant side presented various documents including a death certificate, medical reports, identity slips, and an obituary. Tribunal found them deeply inconsistent and in many cases forged.
- The Tribunal concluded neither Mr nor Ms Tali Shani could prove ownership or that they ever held valid title to the property. Ozekhome’s case was dismissed on the grounds that “Tali Shani” had no legal title to transfer, since Useni was found to be the real owner.
Legal Implications
- The Tribunal ordered the Chief Land Registrar to cancel Ozekhome’s application to be registered as proprietor.
- It confirmed that because Useni has passed away (in January 2025), ownership now vests with his estate (pending legal formalities/probate).
- The decision underscores importance of documentary integrity, identity verification, and due process in property transfers, especially involving foreigners or individuals using aliases. Fraudulent identity documents and forged evidence were central to the dispute.
What It Means Going Forward
This ruling may set precedent for similar property disputes, especially where titles were registered under aliases or questionable identities. Authorities may need to strengthen checks at land registration and enforce stricter identity verification by foreign claimants. For legal practitioners, it’s a cautionary tale about accepting documentary claims at face value without rigorous proof.
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