The Nigeria Police Force has reversed its earlier stance on the River Park Estate controversy, following a direct intervention by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who has ordered fresh investigations into reported forgery allegations involving Ghanaian businessman, Sir Samuel Jonah and associates.
This shift reportedly nullifies key assertions made during a controversial June 27 press briefing, in which Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede had declared the investigation “concluded” and described businessman Paul Odili as “Owner of River Park” – a position now disavowed by police authorities.
Confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Office (FPRO) told a media house that the charges initially filed on June 26, 2025, against Sir Samuel Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, Victor Quainoo, and legal practitioner Abu Arome will now be subject to review. A senior police source reportedly said: “The charges are expected to be formally withdrawn pending completion of the fresh investigations ordered by the IGP.”
According to official correspondence obtained by the media house, the IGP reiterated during a July 2 meeting with parties involved that the Police Force is only investigating alleged document forgery – not land ownership disputes. He reportedly stated:
“The NPF’s investigation is strictly focused on allegations of forgery – not land matters or ownership… only courts can vest or divest land rights.”
This position, anchored in Section 32(2) of the Police Act 2020, directly contradicts the earlier public statement by DCP Fakorede and the original decision to file criminal charges.
In a WhatsApp exchange dated July 20 between legal representatives and the FPRO (seen by the media house), police authorities confirmed that the investigation remains open and is ongoing, in line with the IGP’s directive. The message read: “The police are carrying out more investigations on the matter as directed by the IGP.”
This confirms a formal reversal of the earlier claim that the matter had been concluded.
Documents reviewed that the June 27 press briefing triggered immediate fallout across the estate: June 27–28: Odili reportedly pressured land authorities to issue Certificates of Occupancy and demanded ₦250,000 from residents for processing, prompting the Riverpark Estate Residents Association (RERA) to issue a fraud alert.June 30: Residents of the NNPC Staff Club were reportedly denied waste collection and access into the estate, with thugs allegedly taking over the gates.
Several plots, including those reportedly owned by Jonah Capital and other individuals – earmarked for schools, hotels, and residences – were allegedly fenced off by agents linked to Odili, including Aazik Homes and Victory Integrated.
The dispute remains entangled in at least ten active lawsuits (CV/4221/24 to FCT/HC/CV/1789/2025), reinforcing the IGP’s reported stance that the courts – not the police – are constitutionally empowered to determine ownership.
Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi has however said: “While initial charges were filed, no arrests or arraignments occurred pursuant to the IGP’s directive. The investigation remains open-ended.”
Residents continue to bear the brunt of the legal and administrative confusion. Documents reportedly show RERA advising homeowners against “payments that may compromise legal rights,” while the NNPC Staff Club condemned what it described as the “denial of essential services” to legitimate occupants.
Facilities designated for community use – including schools and clinics – reportedly remain blocked by private security operatives.
With the IGP’s intervention halting prosecutions and ordering renewed scrutiny, the police have effectively walked back their June 27 conclusion. This signals an acknowledgment that earlier actions may have exceeded the Force’s jurisdiction, particularly in a dispute that remains sub judice.
As violence, litigation, and conflicting claims continue to engulf River Park Estate, stakeholders await the outcome of the renewed investigation and ultimately, the judiciary’s decision on rightful ownership.
