Ghanaian Investors Sue Nigerian Police, EFCC Over Abuja Land Dispute, Alleging Harassment and Report Suppression
A group of Ghanaian businessmen behind the River Park Estate development in Abuja has launched a legal battle against senior Nigerian police and anti-corruption officials, accusing them of a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and the suppression of a crucial investigative report in an ongoing land ownership dispute.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, names prominent figures including the Inspector General of Police, the FCT Commissioner of Police, the Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, DCP Akin Fakorede, and top officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), specifically Zonal Commander Michael Wetkas and investigator Eunice Vou Dalyop.
The Ghanaian investors, led by Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, and Victor Quainoo, are seeking a staggering ₦200 million (approximately $133,000 USD) in exemplary damages. Their demands also include the immediate release of the findings of a Special Investigation Panel that probed the dispute, along with a perpetual injunction to prevent any further harassment.
The core of the dispute dates back to a 2013 joint venture agreement involving JonahCapital and its development partner, Houses for Africa. They allege that Paulo Homes Limited, led by CEO Paul Odili, illegally encroached on over 120 hectares of land beyond the agreed terms. The Ghanaian developers further accuse Mr. Odili of falsifying land approval documents to fraudulently claim ownership of the disputed plots.
Despite an internal police investigation reportedly being completed, the plaintiffs claim that the vital report remains unpublished. Instead, they allege that a fresh investigation has been initiated by the very same police unit, an act they believe is designed to undermine the original findings and place them at risk of double jeopardy.
The case has taken on a diplomatic dimension, with both the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation formally requesting access to the investigative report. However, these requests have reportedly been ignored, raising concerns about transparency and due process.
The plaintiffs assert that the actions of the Nigerian officials constitute a violation of their constitutional rights, specifically their rights to dignity, property, and freedom of movement. They are invoking Sections 35 and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as provisions in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to support their claims.
As the case proceeds to court, the Ghanaian investors are publicly expressing their reliance on the Nigerian judiciary to uphold the rule of law, ensure accountability from state institutions, and safeguard the rights of foreign investors operating within the country. This high-profile case is poised to be a significant test of Nigeria’s legal and regulatory environment for foreign investment.
Source: http://thepressradio.com
