AGF Overturns Police Probe on Ghanaian Investors

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has set aside the investigation report issued by the Monitoring Unit of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) against some Ghanaian businessmen over a commercial dispute in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The decision followed a detailed review of the case files forwarded by the police and was conveyed through a circular issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.

In the circular, referenced DPPA/REQ/224/25 and dated December 30, 2025, the AGF ruled that there was no legal basis to prosecute the affected investors—Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, Mr. Kojo Ansah Mensah, Mr. Victor Quainoo and Mr. Abu Arome—over allegations of fraud and forgery.

The DPP stated that no prima facie case had been established in Charge No: CR/402/25, leading to the discontinuation of the 26-count charge earlier announced by the police.

The AGF also upheld the report of the 13-man Special Investigation Panel (SIP) led by DCP Imam, which had earlier investigated petitions relating to Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, describing the panel’s findings as valid, comprehensive and unbiased.

However, the AGF faulted the investigation conducted by the IGP Monitoring Unit under CP Akin Fakorede, describing it as misleading and legally defective. 

He noted that the probe sought to criminalise what was essentially a commercial and contractual disagreement, in violation of Section 8(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

According to the circular, the actions and public utterances of the Monitoring Unit and the police spokesperson at a press briefing held in June 2025, where the investors were accused of fraud and ownership claims over River Park Estate were made, were unlawful and prejudicial.

The AGF stressed that the police lack the statutory powers to determine land ownership or adjudicate contractual disputes without a court order.

The investors had earlier alleged that the Monitoring Unit suppressed the SIP report and initiated a fresh investigation.

 In a petition dated May 22, 2025, Sir Sam Jonah informed the AGF that although the SIP report had been disclosed to all parties in April, it was later discarded by the Monitoring Unit.

The matter also attracted the attention of the FCT Administration, which constituted an investigative committee led by its General Counsel, Mr. Salman Dako, following reports of rising tensions and violent incidents within River Park Estate.

In a related development, the AGF addressed allegations that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) altered the shareholding structure of Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited on December 8, 2025, despite pending court proceedings.

 He consequently directed the Registrar-General of the CAC to restore the ownership and shareholding of the companies to their previous status.

The AGF further noted that allegations of destruction of property, criminal intimidation and assault within the estate were yet to be fully investigated and required appropriate attention by relevant authorities.