The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to stay away from the River Park Estate dispute.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the ruling on Friday. He also barred other parties in the suit from taking any actions that could interfere with the ongoing legal process.
The judge warned all involved not to take steps that could pre-empt the court’s decision. The case was then adjourned to June 26, 2025, for the next hearing.
The case was filed by Ghanaian investors. They include JonahCapital Ltd, Houses for Africa Ltd, and three individuals: Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, and Victor Quainoo. Their lawyer, Abu Arome, filed the suit on their behalf.
They asked the court to stop the police, EFCC, and other parties from arresting or intimidating them during the investigation. The investors claimed that their rights were being violated.
The conflict started with multiple petitions regarding ownership of River Park Estate. In response, the IGP created a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to examine the complaints.
After weeks of investigation, the panel submitted its report to the police leadership. The report was supposed to be reviewed by the legal department to check for any criminal elements.
Despite this, the investors said they received no reply after sending follow-up letters dated March 20 and April 16. Instead, a new investigation allegedly began under DCP Akin Fakorede, head of the IGP Monitoring Unit.
The investors stated that even while the matter was still in court, they were being summoned and harassed. Fakorede allegedly continued to investigate the case, ignoring the findings of the earlier panel.
They also accused the EFCC of arresting and detaining Kojo Ansah Mensah, the CEO of JonahCapital and Houses for Africa Nigeria. He was reportedly held for several days without clear cause.
Due to the situation, the investors petitioned the Police Service Commission, led by Hashimu Argungu. They also wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. Both were asked to intervene in what the investors called abuse of power.
The plaintiffs are asking the court for a perpetual injunction. This would stop the police and EFCC from arresting, inviting, harassing, or detaining them.
They argue that the investigation is based on agreements signed years ago on June 1, 2012, and July 13, 2012 which have already been addressed.
They also want the SIP investigation report to be released. The panel was led by DCP Usman Ahmed Imam from the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
In addition, the investors are demanding ₦200 million in damages for alleged violations of their rights.
The matter will be heard again on June 26, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
