AGF rejects police investigation, clears Ghanaian businessmen of fraud allegations

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has overturned a controversial investigation by the Nigeria Police Force Monitoring Unit against some Ghanaian businessmen for alleged fraud and forgery in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The decision was conveyed in a circular issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following a detailed review of investigation reports submitted by the police.

In the circular, referenced DPPA/REQ/224/25 and dated December 30, 2025, the AGF ruled that there was no basis for criminal prosecution against Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, Victor Quainoo, and Abu Arome.

The Directorate of Public Prosecution stated that no prima facie case of forgery or any related offences had been established against the individuals listed in Charge No. CR/402/25.

Consequently, the 26-count charge of fraud and forgery earlier filed by the police was discontinued in its entirety.

Fagbemi also affirmed the findings of a 13-member Special Investigation Panel led by DCP Imam, which had investigated petitions involving Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited.

According to the circular, the panel’s report dated March 28, 2025, was valid, comprehensive, and unbiased.

The AGF faulted the Monitoring Unit’s investigation led by CP Akin Fakorede, describing it as misleading and legally defective.

He noted that the police wrongly criminalised what was essentially a commercial and contractual dispute, contrary to Section 8(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

The controversy followed a press briefing held on June 26 and 27, 2025, during which the Ghanaian investors were publicly accused of fraud. The AGF ruled that the action was unlawful and prejudicial, stressing that the police lacked the authority to determine land ownership or resolve contractual disputes without judicial pronouncement.

The circular stated that the declaration of certain individuals as owners and managers of River Park Estate without court determination was inappropriate and exceeded the lawful powers of the police.

Following the briefing, the investors alleged that the Monitoring Unit suppressed the Special Investigation Panel’s report and commenced a fresh investigation. In a petition dated May 22, 2025, Sir Sam Jonah informed the AGF that although the panel’s report had been disclosed to parties on April 9, it was later jettisoned by the Monitoring Unit.

Amid reported encroachments and violent incidents within River Park Estate, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory constituted an investigative committee led by the FCTA’s General Counsel, Salman Dako.

The matter escalated further on December 8, 2025, when the Corporate Affairs Commission allegedly altered the shareholding structure of Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited despite pending court cases and official directives.

The AGF has now directed the Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, to restore the companies’ ownership and shareholding to their previous status before the alterations.

The circular also noted that allegations of destruction of property, criminal intimidation, and assault within River Park Estate, allegedly carried out by thugs acting on directives of Paul Odili, remain un-investigated.