The Head of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Team, Abuja, Commissioner of Police (CP) Akin Fakorede, has been accused of attempting to interfere in the work of the ministerial committee set up to resolve the ownership dispute surrounding River Park Estate in Abuja.
Fakorede, in a letter dated August 7, 2025, directed the Director of Land Administration to recognize Paulo Homes Nigeria Limited, owned by businessman Sampson Odili, as the sole entity for all dealings on the estate. The letter was also copied to the Director of the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS), the Director of Development Control, and Odili.
The action has raised concerns as it came shortly before the committee, inaugurated by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, could hold its first sitting. Wike had earlier cautioned that the panel must be shielded from vested interests.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had in July ordered a fresh probe into the long-running River Park dispute. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed on July 20 that the IGP directed the reopening of investigations after a meeting with the parties on July 2.
Police sources noted that the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) had earlier submitted a comprehensive report on the case, which contradicted the conclusions reached by Fakorede’s monitoring unit. The IGP’s directive was expected to guide further investigations in line with the Attorney-General of the Federation’s ongoing review.
Sources further disclosed that the Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi, had already instructed the police to stay action on the matter pending the outcome of his review. Fakorede’s directive to FCT agencies is therefore seen as conflicting with that instruction.
The decision to copy AGIS and Development Control in the letter has also raised concerns within security circles, as both agencies have powers to alter land records and approvals. Officials fear this could compromise the integrity of the ministerial committee’s work.
During the July 2 meeting, the IGP had clarified that the Nigeria Police Force has no legal authority to adjudicate land ownership or company disputes, noting that such matters are strictly for the courts to determine. He also acknowledged that investigations into allegations of forgery related to the estate were incomplete and under review by the Attorney-General’s office.
Police insiders insist that Fakorede’s intervention amounts to defiance of both the IGP and the Attorney-General. Some officers have reportedly called for his immediate suspension from any role connected to the River Park case.
The ministerial committee, inaugurated in August, is expected to begin sitting soon to review the dispute and make recommendations. Its activities will be closely monitored amid growing concerns over external interference.