Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has denied allegations that he allocated 501 hectares of land to Ghanaian businessman Sam Jonah for the development of River Park Estate in Abuja. In a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Obasanjo described the claim as "absolutely untrue, fictitious, misleading, and libelous".
Background of the Dispute
The dispute revolves around the ownership of River Park Estate, with Sam Jonah's company, Jonah Capital, claiming rights to the property. However, another party, the Registered Trustees of Dunamis International Church, has also staked a claim to the land, leading to a court case. Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit ¹ ².
Police Investigation and Charges
The Nigerian Police have preferred a 26-count charge against Sam Jonah, a Knight of the British Empire, and three others, including a Nigerian lawyer, Abu Arome, over alleged forgery of company documents and shares allocation. The police allege that the accused persons falsified documents and forged signatures to unlawfully seize control of Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited and its assets ² ³.
Court Ruling and Implications
The court's decision to maintain the status quo is aimed at preventing further escalation of the dispute. The case has attracted attention from both Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities, with the Ghanaian government expressing concerns over the treatment of its citizens in Nigeria. The outcome of this case may have implications for investor confidence and diplomatic relations between the two countries ⁴.
