The Nigeria Police Force has reversed its earlier position on the protracted River Park Estate dispute, ordering a fresh investigation into allegations of forgery involving Ghanaian businessman, Sir Samuel Jonah, and three associates.
The decision, which reportey comes on the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, follows a meeting on July 2 with key parties and senior police officers. This move effectively nullifies statements made during the controversial June 27 press briefing by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Akin Fakorede, who had declared the investigation concluded and identified businessman Paul Odili as the “owner” of River Park — a position now formally disavowed by the police hierarchy.
Meanwhile reliable sources disclosed that criminal charges earlier filed on June 26 against Sir Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, Victor Quainoo and legal practitioner Abu Arome are now expected to be formally withdrawn, pending the outcome of the renewed investigation.
A senior police official familiar with the development explained:“The charges are expected to be formally withdrawn pending completion of the fresh investigations ordered by the IGP.”
Documents reviewed by our correspondent show that during the July 2 meeting, the IGP clarified that police inquiries are confined strictly to alleged forgery of documents and do not extend to determining ownership of the disputed estate.
“The NPF’s investigation is strictly focused on allegations of forgery – not land matters or ownership… only courts can vest or divest land rights,” the IGP reportedly said.
This approach aligns with Section 32(2) of the Police Act 2020, which limits the police’s mandate to criminal investigation, while questions of ownership remain the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts.
Tensions within the estate
Despite the new directive, tensions have intensified within River Park Estate. Residents allege that, following the June 27 press briefing, Odili demanded ₦250,000 from homeowners for processing Certificates of Occupancy. The Riverpark Estate Residents Association (RERA) subsequently issued a fraud alert warning residents to be cautious.
Reports also indicate that private security operatives allegedly blocked access to waste collection trucks and restricted entry for members of the NNPC Staff Club. The club later wrote to JonahCapital requesting additional security support.
In a separate development, parcels of land originally designated for communal use such as schools and hotels were reportedly fenced off by proxies linked to Odili, including firms such as Aazik Homes and Victory Integrated.
Matter remains before the courts
The dispute is currently the subject of no fewer than ten active lawsuits, numbered from CV/4221/24 to FCT/HC/CV/1789/2025. This legal backdrop reinforces the IGP’s position that ownership issues must ultimately be decided by the courts.
Commenting on the situation, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, was quoted as saying “While initial charges were filed, no arrests or arraignments occurred pursuant to the IGP’s directive. The investigation remains open-ended.”
Meanwhile, residents continue to grapple with uncertainty. RERA has advised homeowners to avoid any payments that could compromise their legal rights, while the NNPC Staff Club condemned what it described as the “denial of essential services” to legitimate occupants. Community facilities, including schools and clinics, also remain under lock by private security personnel.
