ABUJA — In a significant policy reversal, the Nigeria Police Force has reopened investigations into the lingering controversy surrounding River Park Estate, just weeks after declaring the matter closed.
The renewed probe was ordered by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, following a high-level meeting held on July 2 with senior officers and stakeholders involved in the dispute. This latest move overrides earlier pronouncements made during a June 27 press briefing by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, who had named businessman Paul Odili as the estate’s rightful owner.
Fresh attention is now being directed at allegations of document forgery involving Ghanaian businessman Sir Samuel Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, Victor Quainoo, and legal practitioner Abu Arome. Police sources disclosed that charges earlier filed against the four individuals on June 26 will be withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive investigation.
A senior officer confirmed that the IGP’s directive aims to ensure that the new investigation runs its full course, independent of prior conclusions. Official documents seen by Vanguard reveal that the IGP made it clear during the July 2 meeting that the police were investigating forgery allegations only, and not the ownership of the estate. He stressed that only a court of law has the authority to decide land ownership disputes.
Despite the police clarifying the scope of the investigation, tension has reportedly resurfaced within River Park Estate. Residents alleged that, following the June 27 press briefing, a sum of ₦250,000 was requested from homeowners for the processing of new Certificates of Occupancy. This prompted the Riverpark Estate Residents Association (RERA) to issue a fraud alert, warning homeowners to be cautious.
Security concerns also emerged as private operatives allegedly blocked access to waste disposal trucks and restricted entry to members of the NNPC Staff Club. The club later wrote to JonahCapital requesting additional security support. In addition, several plots initially earmarked for community facilities such as schools and hotels were reportedly fenced off by new entities, including Aazik Homes and Victory Integrated, who claimed to be new buyers.
At least ten lawsuits are currently active in connection to the ownership dispute, including case numbers CV/4221/24 and FCT/HC/CV/1789/2025. These legal battles further affirm the IGP’s position that the judiciary alone can resolve such issues.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that while charges were initially filed, no arrests were made following the IGP’s order. He said the investigation remains open-ended.
Residents say the ongoing uncertainty has disrupted daily life. RERA has advised homeowners against making payments that could undermine their legal standing. The NNPC Staff Club described the situation as a “denial of essential services,” while community facilities meant for residents—including proposed schools and clinics—remain inaccessible due to continued blockades by private security operatives.
