Ghanaian Investors Condemn Nigerian Police Over River Park Estate Dispute and Alleged Harassment

Ghanaian investors implicated by the Nigerian police for prosecution over a property dispute at River Park Estate, Abuja, have criticized the police for allegedly taking sides, prematurely announcing charges, and undermining ongoing investigations and court processes.

The investors—Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Mensah Ansah, Victor Quainoo, and Nigerian partner Abu Arome—expressed frustration over the police spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi’s statements, accusing him of overstepping his authority and attempting to indict them before investigations conclude or judicial determinations are made.

The group had earlier filed a lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, the Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit DCP Akin Fakorede, and others, alleging violations of their rights amid a complex dispute over ownership claims of JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and associated assets, including stakes in River Park Estate.

In a statement shared with reporters, one of the investors questioned why the police failed to disclose the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) report, led by DCP Usman Imam, which has been withheld since March 2025. They also criticized the police for engaging opposing parties in public statements while withholding critical documents allegedly demonstrating forgery claims.

Nigeria News 247 had reported the police claim that investigations found evidence of a multi-billion-naira fraud involving forged documents to seize control of JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and River Park Estate assets. However, the investors maintain these claims contradict ongoing reviews by the Attorney General’s Office and the pending fundamental rights suit filed against the Nigerian Police Force.

The investors also highlighted the police’s breach of diplomatic protocol by notifying the Ghana High Commission about prosecution plans before judicial processes conclude, a move they say violates norms given the ongoing lawsuit.

They demand the immediate release of the withheld SIP report and clarification from the Attorney General on whether the police can bypass prosecutorial authority. The investors warn that the police press conference could amount to contempt of court due to the pending injunction.

In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday granted an interim injunction restraining the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigerian police, and other defendants from harassing, arresting, or obstructing the investors. The court also barred interference with the plaintiffs’ access to and enjoyment of their property at River Park Estate during the ongoing litigation.

The legal suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1130/2025) was filed by the investors through their consortium, Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, citing repeated harassment, arbitrary arrests, and abuse of state power linked to the disputed property.

At the core of the dispute is the investigation conducted by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Investigation Panel, which submitted its findings to the police leadership. However, the report has not been made public or acted upon, prompting allegations that a new investigation launched by DCP Akin Fakorede seeks to override or suppress the initial findings.

The investors say they have faced continuous intimidation, including police summons, surveillance, and physical mistreatment. They contend that the law enforcement actions have escalated the matter from a civil property dispute to a diplomatic issue, drawing criticism from Ghanaian media and raising concerns about the treatment of foreign investors.

One investor was reportedly detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under unclear circumstances, further exacerbating tensions.

Observers warn that such high-profile disputes, if mishandled, could damage Nigeria’s reputation and deter future investment, underscoring the need for transparent and just resolution of the matter.