The multi-billion-naira River Park Estate in Abuja has once again become the subject of controversy following a report by Sahara Reporters. The platform alleged that the Nigeria Police Force had reopened a concluded case involving land and shareholding disagreements linked to some Ghanaian real estate investors.
However, checks by this newspaper revealed that the Sahara Reporters publication contained several distortions, incomplete information, and misleading assertions aimed at discrediting law enforcement agencies.
A source who prefers to remain anonymous, spoke to our correspondent 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.”
IGP’s Stance Clarified
Reports suggesting that Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered a “re-investigation” of the case have been clarified as inaccurate. What transpired was not a reopening of the matter, which had been concluded on June 27, 2025, but rather a fair-hearing process.
The IGP instructed the Monitoring Unit, led by CP Akin Victor Fakorede, to review certain aspects of the case following fresh claims by the accused, including Sir Samuel Jonah and his associates. They alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had directly allocated 501 hectares of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to them.
Acting in line with investigative procedure, CP Fakorede—a foreign-trained forensic specialist and lawyer—visited Chief Obasanjo at his Ota residence in Ogun State. The outcome was unequivocal:
“Samuel Jonah is a liar,” Obasanjo declared, strongly rejecting the allegations.
Forensic Findings and Court Charges
On November 29, 2024, the IGP Monitoring Unit, in collaboration with Keyforensics Ltd and the Nigerian Police forensic department, carried out a forensic examination of documents tied to the dispute.
The investigation revealed substantial evidence of document forgery, impersonation, and the unlawful conversion of more than 8 million shares belonging to Nigerian investor Dr. Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa’s partner, Houses for Africa Holding Inc.
These discoveries were formally incorporated into the case file on July 26, 2025, and presented before the FCT High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, where the accused individuals are currently standing trial.
Alleged Boardroom Coup and Forged Documents
Court filings further disclose how the Ghanaian investors allegedly relied on falsified board resolutions to oust Nigerian directors from Jonah Capital Nigeria Ltd and Houses for Africa Nig. Ltd.
Investigators claim they unlawfully inflated the share capital of both companies and processed land title documents through Mobus Property Nigeria Ltd without proper authorisation.
According to the findings, these actions constitute criminal conspiracy and corporate fraud.
Sahara Reporters’ Claims Disputed
Sahara Reporters had alleged that CP Fakorede sought to obstruct a Ministerial Committee on River Park Estate set up by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
However, records show otherwise. All evidence has already been submitted before a competent court handling the case, and the investigative report in question was filed prior to the committee’s establishment.
Experts Clarify Administrative Action
According to experts, the directive issued on August 7, 2025 (Ref: IGP Monitoring Unit/Abj/Vol.79/25), which instructed that all dealings concerning River Park Estate be routed through Paulo Homes Nig. Ltd, was a lawful administrative measure aimed at preventing a management vacuum. They noted that Sahara Reporters deliberately misrepresented this action in order to generate sensational headlines.
Copies of the correspondence were properly forwarded to the Director of Land Administration, the Abuja Geospatial Information Service (AGIS), the Director of Development Control, and Paulo Homes Nig. Ltd, consistent with established procedure.
Security and Investor Confidence
Experts further cautioned that unchecked fraudulent land and corporate activities pose serious risks to Nigeria’s economic stability. A constitutional lawyer stressed that failure to prosecute such infractions promptly could erode investor confidence and even endanger national security.
The Path Forward
The forensic evidence compiled by the Police Monitoring Unit and other investigators has been formally submitted as part of the case before the court. With the accused already facing trial, it is now up to the judiciary to decide their culpability in what has become one of Abuja’s most prominent real estate fraud cases.
Legal experts maintain that efforts by Sahara Reporters and others to twist the facts will not obstruct the pursuit of justice.
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