..As AGF Fagbemi dumps CP Fakorede’s controversial reports
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has ruled that there is no basis for criminal prosecution against some Ghanaian investors involved in a property dispute in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The decision was conveyed in a circular issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, following a review of investigation files submitted by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
In the circular, referenced DPPA/REQ/224/25 and dated December 30, 2025, the AGF held that no prima facie case was established against the investors, including Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, Victor Quainoo and Abu Arome, Esq.
According to the DPPF, “no prima facie case of forgery or other related offences as contained in Charge No: CR/402/25 has been established against the aforementioned individuals.” Consequently, the 26-count charge earlier announced by the police was discontinued.
The AGF also affirmed the findings of a 13-member Special Investigation Panel (SIP) led by DCP Imam, which had investigated petitions relating to Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited. The panel’s report, dated March 28, 2025, was described as “valid, comprehensive and unbiased.”
By contrast, the AGF faulted the investigation conducted by the IGP Monitoring Unit, led by CP Akin Fakorede, stating that it was misleading and failed to meet the legal requirements for criminal prosecution. The circular noted that the matter under review was essentially a commercial and contractual dispute and should not have been treated as a criminal case, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The AGF further held that the police lacked the authority to determine land ownership or adjudicate contractual disputes, adding that public statements made by police officials during a press briefing in June 2025 were inappropriate and exceeded their lawful mandate.
The dispute had earlier attracted wider attention following reports of tension and security concerns within River Park Estate, prompting the FCT Administration to set up a separate investigative committee.
The AGF also directed the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to restore the shareholding structure of Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited to its status prior to changes reportedly made on December 8, 2025, noting that the matter was already before the courts.
In addition, the AGF called for proper investigation of reported incidents of violence and property damage within the estate, stressing the need for lawful and impartial handling of all complaints arising from the dispute.