“Court Restrains IGP, EFCC From Interfering In River Park Estate Dispute” — Ghanaian Developers Allege Harassment, Seek ₦200m In Damages
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), barring them from taking any further steps regarding the ongoing dispute surrounding the River Park Estate in Abuja.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the interim injunction in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the estate developers—JonahCapital Ltd and Houses for Africa Ltd—alongside their directors, including Ghanaian businessmen Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, Victor Quainoo, and their legal counsel, Abu Arome.
Also affected by the restraining order are several other state officials: the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Saka Adewale; DCP Akin Fakorede of the IGP Monitoring Unit; EFCC FCT Zonal Commander Michael Wetkas; EFCC investigator Eunice Vou Dalyop; and one Kabiru Baba.
The plaintiffs, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adedayo Adedeji, argued that both the EFCC and the police have subjected them to intimidation, harassment, and overlapping investigations despite ongoing legal efforts to resolve the estate’s ownership and development issues.
Central to their case is a previously constituted Special Investigation Panel (SIP) by the IGP to consolidate and assess various petitions related to River Park Estate. While the panel completed its report and submitted it to the police leadership, the developers say the report’s contents were never disclosed to them—despite multiple formal requests.
Instead of acting on the SIP’s findings, the plaintiffs allege that the IGP Monitoring Unit, headed by Fakorede, initiated a new wave of investigations, including fresh invitations and coercive interrogations targeting the Ghanaian investors. They further claim that the EFCC escalated the matter by detaining JonahCapital CEO Kojo Ansah Mensah for several days without charge.
In response, the aggrieved parties petitioned the Police Service Commission, chaired by Hashimu Argungu, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, calling for intervention and the release of the SIP report. They argue that the continued harassment represents a weaponization of investigative powers against legitimate investors.
The suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1130/2025) seeks a perpetual injunction to protect the developers from future arrest, detention, or invitations relating to the matter. Additionally, they are demanding ₦200 million in damages for the alleged violation of their fundamental rights.
Justice Egwuatu has adjourned further proceedings in the case to June 26, 2025.
