Background to the Dispute
The multi-billion-naira River Park Estate, Abuja, is once again at the center of heated controversy following a publication by online platform Sahara Reporters. The outlet alleged that the Nigerian Police Force had reopened a concluded investigation into land and shareholding disputes involving some Ghanaian real estate investors.
However, findings by this newspaper show that the Sahara Reporters publication was riddled with inaccuracies, omissions, and misleading claims targeted at tarnishing the image of law enforcement authorities.
An anonymous source who spoke to this reporter said unequivocally:
“The Nigerian Police Force, through its IGP Monitoring Unit, has both constitutional and statutory powers to investigate, arrest, and prosecute any individual involved in criminal breaches of peace, forgery, impersonation, and fraudulent land transactions.”
The IGP’s Position Clarified
Contrary to reports that IGP, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun ordered a “re-investigation” of the matter, what actually occurred was a fair-hearing measure. With the initial concluded on the 27th June 2025, the IGP directed the IGP Monitoring Team, under CP Akin Victor Fakorede to revisit aspects of the case.
The directive followed claims by accused persons, including Sir Samuel Jonah and his associates, that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had personally allocated 501 hectares of land in the FCT to them.
In line with investigative best practice, CP Fakorede — a foreign-trained forensic expert and Barrister-at-Law — led his team to Chief Obasanjo’s Otta residence in Ogun State. The outcome was damning:
“Samuel Jonah is a liar,” the former President declared, dismissing the claims outright.
Forensic Evidence and Criminal Charges
On November 29, 2024, the IGP Monitoring Unit, working with Keyforensics Ltd and the Nigerian Police forensic unit, conducted a forensic audit of documents linked to the dispute.
The review uncovered compelling evidence of: Forgery of documents, Impersonation.
Illegal conversion of over 8 million shares belonging to Nigerian investor Dr. Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa’s partner, Houses for Africa Holding Inc.
These findings were filed into the charge on July 26, 2025, at the FCT High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, where the accused persons are now facing trial.
Boardroom Coup and Forged Resolutions
Documents before the court further revealed how the Ghanaian investors allegedly:Used forged Board Resolutions to remove Nigerian directors from Jonah Capital Nigeria Ltd and Houses for Africa Nig. Ltd.
Fraudulently increased share capital in both companies.
Processed title documents through Mobus Property Nigeria Ltd without proper authorization.
All these acts, investigators say, amount to criminal conspiracy and corporate fraud.
Sahara Reporters’ Allegations Debunked
The Sahara Reporters report also claimed that CP Fakorede attempted to undermine a Ministerial Committee on River Park Estate inaugurated by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
But the facts tell a different story and all evidence has been filed before a competent court of law, where the trial is ongoing. The report conveying the outcome of the investigation to the relevant authority was written before the committee was set up.
The experts explained further:
“The letter of August 7, 2025 (Ref: IGP Monitoring Unit/Abj/Vol.79/25), which directed that dealings on River Park Estate be channeled to Paulo Homes Nig. Ltd, was a legitimate administrative step to avoid a management vacuum. Sahara Reporters deliberately twisted this fact to create sensational headlines.”
The correspondences were duly copied to the Director of Land Administration, the Abuja Geospatial Information Service (AGIS), the Director of Development Control, and Paulo Homes itself, in line with official procedure.
Security and Investors’ Confidence at Stake
Experts warn that such fraudulent land and corporate practices, if left unchecked, could jeopardize Nigeria’s investment climate. The constitutional lawyer emphasized:
“If fraudulent infractions like these are not promptly prosecuted, they could undermine investor confidence and threaten national security.”
The Road Ahead
Forensic evidence gathered by the Police Monitoring Unit and other investigators now form part of the FIR in court. With the accused persons standing trial, the judiciary is expected to determine their culpability in what is now considered one of Abuja’s most high-profile real estate fraud cases.
The attempt by Sahara Reporters and those seeking to mislead the public to distort facts, legal experts say, will not derail the course of justice.
