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By Philip Nwosu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other respondents, barring them from harassing or arresting a group of Ghanaian investors embroiled in a contentious property dispute at the River Park Estate, Lugbe, Abuja.
The ruling, delivered at the weekend under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1130/2025, follows a suit filed by JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, a consortium linked to renowned Ghanaian businessman Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, and Victor Quainoo. The suit also includes Abuja-based lawyer Abu Arome as a co-applicant.
The investors accuse senior Nigerian law enforcement officers of a sustained campaign of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and abuse of power over a civil property dispute. They are seeking N200 million in exemplary damages for alleged violations of their fundamental rights.
Defendants in the suit include FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, DCP Akin Fakorede, Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, EFCC Zonal Commander, Michael Wetkas, EFCC investigator, Eunice Vou Dalyop, and another individual, identified as Kabiru Baba.
The plaintiffs contend that these officials have consistently harassed their staff, issued police invitations under duress, and even resorted to physical intimidation—all in connection with ownership claims to Plot No. 4, Cadastral Zone E30, River Park Estate, Abuja.
In granting interim reliefs, the court issued two key orders, including: an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from inviting, intimidating, harassing, arresting, or detaining the plaintiffs or their representatives pending the hearing of a motion on notice; an order restraining the respondents from obstructing the plaintiffs’ access to, use of, and peaceful enjoyment of the disputed property.
The court’s decision comes amidst accusations that the police had previously concluded an investigation through a Special Investigation Panel (SIP), headed by DCP Usman Ahmed Imam. The SIP report was reportedly submitted to the IGP, with a directive to the CP (Legal) for further review. However, the findings remain unpublished, and the investors claim they were instead subjected to a fresh, more aggressive probe led by DCP Fakorede—raising questions about due process.
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The investors argue that what began as a civil dispute over land ownership has now escalated into a diplomatic embarrassment. They allege that the EFCC detained one of them under questionable circumstances and that the security agencies’ actions reflect a deliberate attempt to criminalise a civil matter.
They have since petitioned the Police Service Commission, demanding an inquiry into the alleged abuse of authority and professional misconduct by officers involved.
The legal battle has triggered public discourse about the implications for Nigeria’s investment climate, particularly at a time when the Tinubu administration claims to have secured over $30 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments.
Critics warn that high-profile incidents like the River Park saga risk eroding investor confidence and sending conflicting signals to the international business community.
Ghanaian media outlets have also picked up the story, expressing outrage at the treatment of their nationals and urging diplomatic intervention. Analysts say this case could test both Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and the sincerity of its appeal for foreign investment.
With the restraining orders now in place, the court is expected to hear the substantive motion in the coming weeks. Legal observers say the outcome will not only shape the trajectory of the River Park case but may also establish important judicial precedents on the limits of police and anti-graft powers in civil disputes.
