The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has cleared Abuja-based legal practitioner, Abu Arome, and three Ghanaian investors of all allegations bordering on forgery and related offences connected to the ownership of the River Park Estate, Abuja.
The decision followed a comprehensive review of the case files and police investigation into the matter, culminating in a directive for the termination of the charge against the accused persons.
In a special report signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Baba Abubakar, and dated December 30, 2025, the Attorney General stated that no evidence was found to sustain the criminal allegations earlier brought against the legal practitioner and the investors.
Those cleared include Sir. Samuel Esson Jonah, a Knight of the British Empire; Mr Kojo Ansah Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of JonahCapital; and Mr Victor Quanoo, all Ghanaian businessmen with interests in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that in July 2025, Abu Arome Solicitor to the Group of Ghanaian Investors alleged that the Nigeria Police Force was being weaponized against him and his clients, particularly as the investigation was hurriedly concluded within one week by DCP Akin Fakorede, a former commander of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Consequently, the Attorney General of the Federation, dismissed all allegations of forgery and other offences against the legal practitioner and his Ghanaian clients.
According to the report, the AGF stated as follows:
“a) That no prima facie case of forgery, and other related offences as contained in Charge No: CR/402/25 has been established against the aforementioned individuals namely, Mr Samuel Esson Jonah, Mr Kojo Ansah Mensah, Mr Victor Quainoo and Mr Abu Arome Esq.
“b) That the investigation and findings by the ‘Special Investigation Panel on Petitions relating to Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and River Park Estate Lugbe’ dated 28th March 2025, is valid, comprehensive, unbiased, and is thus affirmed.
“c) That the investigation and findings by the IGP Monitoring Unit (led by Akin Fakorede) were highly misleading, disregarding the burden and standard of proof necessary to establish criminal liability, and inappropriately attempted to characterize a commercial disagreement involving ownership, shareholdings and contractual obligations as a criminal matter, which is contrary to Section 8(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
“d) That the utterances and action of the IGP Monitoring Unit and Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi (as he then was) during the press conference on the 27th of June 2025, where Paul Odili, Dr Adeniran Ogunmuyiwa and others, were declared and identified as the ‘owners’ and ‘managers’ of River Park Estate without judicial detemination are inappropriate and in excess of the lawful authority of the police. The Nigerian Police do not possess the jurisdiction to independently determine land ownership or adjudicate alleged breaches of contract and must therefore avoid making such prejudicial statements.
“e) It has been observed that allegations of destruction of property, criminal intimidation, and assault perpetrated against staff, agents, customers and certain residents of River Park Estate, allegedly by thugs acting pursuant
to the directives of Paul Odili remains uninvestigated.
“3. Consequent on the foregoing, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation has directed the temination of the case against Mr Samuel Esson Jonah, Mr Kojo Ansah Mensah, Mr Victor Quainoo and Mr Abu Arome.
“4 Additionally, the Nigeria Police Force is requested to investigate the complaints of criminal intimidation, assault and destruction of property alleged against Paul Odili and provide a detailed investigation report for the consideration of the Honourable Attormey General of the Federation.
“Furthermore, consistent with its statutory mandate to protect lives and property, the Nigeria Police is requested to allow peaceful enjoyment and maintain security for all residents of the River Park Estate.”
Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of JonahCapital, Kojo Mensah, commended the Attorney General of the Federation for what he described as a courageous discharge of constitutional responsibilities.
“The timely intervention of the HAGF has restored confidence and renewed hope among foreign investors and the business community that Nigeria remains a country governed by laws, due process, and institutional accountability,” he said.
Mensah also expressed gratitude to both Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities for their diplomatic and institutional support throughout the period of the dispute.
“We also extend our profound appreciation to His Excellency President Ahmed Tinubu (President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria), His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama (President of the Republic of Ghana), Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (Minister of Foreign Affairs), His Excellency Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed (Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria), the entire staff of the Ghana Mission to Nigeria for the steadfast support.
“We equally extend our gratitude to all residents of River Park who stood by us throughout this trying period. Your solidarity, patience, and confidence in lawful resolution were invaluable.
“We reaffirm that we are, and will continue to be, law-abiding foreign investors. Our commitment to Nigeria is unwavering, and we will continue to contribute meaningfuly to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
“We trust that this episode will ultimately reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to justice, transparency, and economic progress.”
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