A faction of JonahCapital Nigeria Limited has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to examine an alleged $300 million investment linked to the River Park Estate project in Abuja.

The group wants the anti-graft agency to confirm whether the money entered Nigeria and whether developers used it to fund the estate’s infrastructure.

Dr Adeniran Olatokunbo Ogunmuyiwa, a founding director and shareholder of JonahCapital, raised the concerns in a letter to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The dispute forms part of an arbitration case reportedly before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.

JonahCapital Faction Disputes Funding Claim

Ogunmuyiwa disputes claims linked to Ghanaian businessman Samuel Esson Jonah that more than $300 million went into infrastructure at River Park Estate.

He said JonahCapital did not provide funding or infrastructure for the development.

Ogunmuyiwa also questioned the authority of the group pursuing the arbitration to act for JonahCapital. He said a dispute over the company’s ownership has led to competing corporate records.

According to him, the people behind the arbitration do not represent the legitimate owners or directors of the company.

The claims remain disputed. The other parties involved may contest them.

EFCC Petition Seeks Financial Records

The Nigerian faction later petitioned the EFCC over the River Park dispute. The commission reportedly received the petition on August 11.

The petition asks the agency to examine allegations of fraud, impersonation and false representations linked to the project.

The petitioners also want the EFCC to trace the alleged $300 million investment.

They asked investigators to review Certificates of Capital Importation, bank statements and foreign remittance records. They also listed Central Bank of Nigeria records, foreign exchange documents, investment agreements and audited accounts.

The group wants investigators to establish the source of the alleged funds. It also wants them to identify the Nigerian accounts that received the money.

Group Questions How Money Was Used

The petitioners said the alleged investment should have a clear financial record if the $300 million entered Nigeria.

They want the EFCC to determine the dates of the transfers and the amounts involved. They also want the agency to establish how the money allegedly funded the River Park project.

The petition names Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Mensah and other people said to have links with the arbitration.

The Nigerian faction also asked investigators to examine documents and claims submitted in the ICC proceedings.

Paulo Homes Named in Funding Dispute

The faction claims that Paulo Homes Limited financed major parts of River Park Estate.

It said the company provided funds for activities linked to the development. These allegedly included payments to indigenous communities, road construction and water infrastructure.

The group also made claims about Jonah’s previous position in JonahCapital. It alleged that he failed to provide capital he had agreed to contribute after joining the company as a shareholder.

It further alleged that Jonah lost his shareholder position around 2008.

The claims have not been independently verified.

Arbitration Follows Lease Agreement Dispute

The River Park dispute concerns Plot 4, Cadastral Zone E30, Lugbe West, Abuja.

The property is now known as River Park Estate.

The dispute followed the termination of a Development Lease Agreement involving JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

The claimants reportedly maintain that the agreement remains valid until 2030.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has confirmed that Nigeria faces arbitration proceedings over the property.

What the Case Means for Abuja Real Estate

The dispute raises important questions about funding, ownership and development rights in major housing projects.

Large property developments need clear agreements and traceable financial records. They also depend on secure land rights and strong relationships between developers and public authorities.

Any prolonged dispute can create uncertainty for investors and other parties connected to a project.

For Abuja’s housing sector, the River Park case also highlights the need for clear project structures. Investors and homebuyers need confidence that developers have the legal and financial capacity to complete major projects.

The ownership dispute within JonahCapital, the alleged $300 million investment and the Development Lease Agreement remain contested.

The ongoing arbitration, along with any investigation by Nigerian authorities, could provide further clarity on the issues surrounding River Park Estate.

The post River Park Estate Dispute: EFCC Asked to Probe $300m Claim appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Ghana as both countries intensify efforts to resolve the ownership dispute surrounding the River Park Estate along Airport Road, Lugbe, Abuja.

The assurance was given on Thursday when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received the Acting High Commissioner of Ghana in Abuja to discuss recent developments involving a commercial dispute between a Ghanaian investor and his Nigerian business partner.

The meeting focused on ensuring that the multi-billion-naira property dispute does not escalate into a diplomatic issue capable of affecting the cordial relations that have existed between both countries for decades.

Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana and assured the Ghanaian delegation that the Federal Government would address the concerns through appropriate diplomatic and institutional channels.

He explained that although the matter appears to be commercial and legal in nature, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would carefully review the issues raised before forwarding its recommendations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for further action.

“The Ministry attaches great importance to issues affecting the welfare of citizens of friendly countries residing in Nigeria and will carefully examine the concerns presented,” Ahmed said.

He further assured the delegation that relevant government institutions would be engaged where necessary through established diplomatic channels to ensure the matter is handled responsibly.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, stressing that the country remains dedicated to protecting legitimate investments while encouraging all parties to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and lawful procedures.

Earlier, the Acting High Commissioner of Ghana thanked the Permanent Secretary for granting the delegation an audience at short notice, describing the meeting as another reflection of the strong diplomatic ties between both countries.

She explained that Ghana considered it important to engage the Nigerian government through official diplomatic channels to prevent the commercial disagreement from creating unnecessary public tension capable of affecting bilateral relations.

The envoy expressed concern over the safety and welfare of Ghanaian nationals connected with the investment, alleging that recent developments surrounding the ownership dispute had heightened tensions.

She appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate engagement with relevant Nigerian authorities and urged the government to ensure the protection of lives, property and investments while legal proceedings continue.

The Acting High Commissioner maintained that Ghana remains committed to resolving the matter peacefully and in accordance with the law, expressing confidence that both countries possess the diplomatic maturity required to prevent the dispute from affecting broader cooperation.

Responding, Ambassador Ahmed assured the delegation that Nigeria values its historic relationship with Ghana and remains committed to maintaining an environment that encourages investment, protects foreign nationals and promotes mutual trust among partner nations.

He added that the Ministry would continue working closely with the Ghana High Commission and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the dispute is managed in a manner that safeguards the interests of all parties without undermining the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Ghana.

The ownership dispute over River Park Estate has attracted significant public attention in recent months, with both governments now emphasizing dialogue, diplomacy and legal processes as the appropriate path toward a lasting resolution.

The post FG Moves to Preserve Nigeria-Ghana Ties Over River Park Estate Dispute appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Jikwoyi-Kurudu, is set to hear a landmark application on Monday, October 6, seeking a judicial review of the proceedings, report, and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee appointed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The committee’s work centers on the ongoing and highly contentious dispute involving River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.

Justice Mohammed Zubairu had, on September 17, 2025, scheduled the hearing following the filing of an ex parte application on behalf of the applicants Paulo Homes Nigeria Ltd and Houses for Africa Nigeria Ltd. The application was presented by senior counsel Anthony Malik (SAN), along with Homa Ihunwo and Edward Ajaba.

The respondents named in the motion (M/11417/2025) include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

In a significant ruling delivered on September 17, Justice Zubairu granted leave for judicial review via certiorari after examining the affidavits and legal submissions. “I have found substantial compliance with the law and rules of this court,” the judge remarked. “Accordingly, the application is granted as prayed.”

The court’s order further provided that the leave granted would automatically operate as a stay of proceedings and any further action related to the matter, pending the substantive hearing. This aligns with Order 43 Rule 3(6)(a) of the Rules of the Court 2025.

The applicants’ case is grounded in an eight-paragraph affidavit sworn by Zainab Suleiman, which sought to quash the Ministerial Committee’s proceedings and recommendations on River Park Estate, specifically, the property located at Plot 4, Cadastral Zone E30, Lugbe, Abuja.

The applicants also demand that the respondents be compelled to produce before the court the full proceedings, report, and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee, which were submitted to the Minister of the FCT on September 2, 2025.

In a move to forestall any potential enforcement, the applicants additionally seek an interim injunction restraining the respondents, their officers, or agents from implementing or giving effect to the committee’s report or recommendations. This injunction will remain in place pending the full hearing and determination of the interlocutory motion.

This legal battle underscores the complexities surrounding land and estate disputes in the Federal Capital Territory, with significant implications for property developers and residents in the burgeoning River Park Estate community.

The post Federal Capital Territory High Court to Hear Judicial Review in Controversial River Park Estate Dispute appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, says the administration will issue new Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to River Park Estate residents who built houses on land directly allocated by the FCTA.

Speaking after an inspection on Saturday, Wike clarified that Paulo Homes “have no business with FCT. Let it be on record. They have no business with FCT. Only the other companies that have a disagreement.”

He explained that the Development Lease Agreement had expired and been breached, prompting the revocation of the plots.

“In order not to make a lot of Nigerians who may have either fraudulently obtained or built houses suffer, we decided that we will give them back C of O… This cry that they want to take their property is neither here nor there. That is not the intention of the FCT administration,” he said.

Wike warned developers against illegal construction, insisting, “Anybody who is doing anything here now is at his own risk. It will go down.”

He assured residents they would be invited for a meeting next week to discuss regularisation.

The post FCT to Issue New C of O to River Park Estate Residents – Wike appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The judge gave the order during a hearing on a suit filed by Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited, which is contesting the alleged encroachment and control of the estate. The court specifically warned the third and fourth defendants not to interfere with the disputed land until the matter is concluded.

“This court hereby directs that all parties, especially the 3rd and 4th defendants, maintain the status quo pending the final determination of this suit,” the judge ruled. The case was adjourned to October 27 for further hearing.

The court also approved a request by Jonah Capital’s counsel to amend the name of the first defendant to reflect the Registered Trustees of Dunamis International Church, replacing an earlier misidentification.

Outside the courtroom, the claimant’s legal representative explained, “This amendment aligns with legal procedure and ensures that the correct party is named in the dispute.”

Meanwhile, Dunamis Church, listed among the defendants, denied encroaching on any property, stating that the land it occupies was lawfully allocated. “We have not violated any boundary,” the church’s lawyer said. “The court’s order to maintain the status quo has been in place since January, and we are in full compliance.”

The dispute over River Park Estate, a large residential development off Abuja’s Airport Road, has triggered parallel criminal investigations. Police have charged three Ghanaians—Sam Jonah, Kojo Ansah, and Victor Quainoo—alongside Nigerian lawyer Abu Arome and Mobus Property Nigeria Ltd. for allegedly forging documents and unlawfully assuming control of the estate’s managing firms.

According to the charges, the suspects manipulated corporate records to allocate 99 million shares to themselves using falsified documents and forged signatures, aiming to seize over 500 hectares of land.

“The defendants misrepresented themselves as Nigerian citizens and submitted forged documents to the Corporate Affairs Commission,” said prosecution counsel, who emphasized the gravity of the offenses.

The case, which intertwines civil claims and criminal charges, continues to draw attention amid concerns over land fraud and property rights in Nigeria’s capital.

The post Court Orders Status Quo in River Park Estate Dispute, Police Charge Four for Alleged Fraud appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

At a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the suspects orchestrated a complex scheme to take over control of JonahCapital and related firms by fraudulently increasing the company’s share capital and allocating 99 million shares to themselves using forged signatures and documents.

“They also falsely claimed Nigerian citizenship to manipulate records with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” Adejobi said, noting that the evidence points to a deliberate attempt to gain unlawful ownership of valuable corporate assets.

Despite invitations for questioning, the suspects allegedly ignored police summons and launched media attacks against the Inspector-General of Police and investigating officers. Adejobi stressed that no police panel has cleared the suspects, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise as false.

“The Police will proceed with full prosecution on charges including forgery, conspiracy, impersonation, and obstruction of justice,” he said, adding that the Ghanaian High Commission has been formally notified in accordance with diplomatic procedures.

Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to due process and the protection of lawful business interests, assuring investors that Nigeria remains a safe destination for capital.

“We encourage local and foreign investors to engage confidently in Nigeria’s economy, knowing that their interests will be protected under the rule of law,” the IGP stated.

The case underscores the Nigeria Police’s renewed focus on tackling white-collar crimes and safeguarding the integrity of corporate governance.

The post Police Set to Prosecute Suspects in River Park Estate Ownership Fraud appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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.

The post Court Bars Police, EFCC from Intervening in River Park Estate Dispute appeared first on Housing TV Africa.