The Nigeria Police Force has cleared a real estate developer, Mr. Alex Ochonogor, and legal practitioner, Mr. Ademola Owolabi, of all allegations of forgery and unlawful property demolition in connection with a land dispute in the Lekki area of Lagos.
This was contained in an official investigative report dated June 13, 2025, with reference number CB:4099/X/ADM/X/ADM/GI/T.A/VOL.6142. The report, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dahiru of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Lagos, was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, CID Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi.
The report followed a petition by Mr. Ochonogor and Mr. Owolabi, who challenged the findings of an earlier investigation that led to their arraignment at the Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, over alleged document falsification and illegal demolition. The petition accused the previous investigation of bias, procedural errors, and misuse of public office.
However, the new police findings presented a different narrative. According to the FCID, no evidence was found to support claims that the demolition notice or land ownership documents used by Mr. Ochonogor and his associates were fraudulent.
Highlights of the investigation revealed that:
The land in question, located at Block 133, Plot 10, Lekki Peninsula Scheme I, was officially allocated in 1994 by the Lagos State Government to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), then serving as Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Mr. Ochonogor legally acquired interest in the property through a real estate agent in 2015.
The demolition of a structure on the land was authorised by Lagos State officials and confirmed by relevant documentation. These included a demolition notice co-signed by government officials, as well as its publication in a national newspaper in 2009.
Claims made by the complainant, Dr. Obidigwe Eze, regarding ownership of the same land were found to be unsubstantiated, with police confirming that the deed of assignment submitted by him lacked valid signatures from the supposed grantors.
All relevant government documents, including affidavits of loss and registration of title, were verified as genuine and properly filed.
The report has since been forwarded to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for review. As of press time, the DPP has not issued a formal advisory or submitted the updated findings to the court.
The case, which has drawn attention within legal and real estate circles, is scheduled to resume on October 13, 2025.
Legal observers suggest that the recent police findings may have significant implications for the ongoing trial and could potentially lead to a dismissal of charges if adopted by the DPP.
