The Nigeria Police Force has reversed its earlier stance on the long-running River Park Estate dispute, launching a renewed investigation into allegations of document forgery involving Ghanaian businessman Sir Samuel Jonah and three associates.
Acting on directives from Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the force convened a crucial meeting on July 2 with key stakeholders and senior officers.
The move effectively nullifies statements made at the controversial June 27 press briefing by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, who had claimed the investigation was closed and declared Paul Odili the rightful owner of River Park—an assertion now formally rejected by the police leadership.
Reliable sources reveal that criminal charges filed on June 26 against Sir Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, Victor Quainoo, and lawyer Abu Arome are expected to be withdrawn pending the outcome of the new probe.
A senior police official stated, “The charges are expected to be formally withdrawn pending completion of the fresh investigations ordered by the IGP.”
Documents reviewed confirm that the IGP emphasised police inquiries are strictly limited to forgery allegations and do not address ownership of the contested property.
“The NPF’s investigation is strictly focused on allegations of forgery – not land matters or ownership… only courts can vest or divest land rights,” he reportedly said.
This aligns with Section 32(2) of the Police Act 2020, which restricts police involvement to criminal matters.
Despite the revised directive, unrest continues to brew among estate residents. Following the June 27 briefing, Odili allegedly demanded ₦250,000 from homeowners for processing Certificates of Occupancy. In response, the Riverpark Estate Residents Association (RERA) issued a fraud alert urging caution.
Additional reports allege that private security personnel have obstructed waste collection services and restricted access to NNPC Staff Club members. The club has since reached out to JonahCapital for enhanced security support.
Parcels of land initially reserved for communal amenities—such as schools and hotels—have reportedly been fenced off by proxies linked to Odili, including Aazik Homes and Victory Integrated. Meanwhile, vital community facilities, including schools and clinics, remain inaccessible due to private security lockdowns.
No fewer than 10 lawsuits—ranging from CV/4221/24 to FCT/HC/CV/1789/2025—are currently active, reinforcing the IGP’s position that questions of ownership fall within the jurisdiction of the courts.
Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi clarified, “While initial charges were filed, no arrests or arraignments occurred under the IGP’s directive. The investigation remains open-ended.”
Homeowners have been urged by RERA to avoid payments that may jeopardise their legal claims, while the NNPC Staff Club has condemned the continued denial of essential services to lawful residents.
