Land fraud case: CSO accuses EFCC, Police of obstruction, demands implementation of court order

A civil society organization, CSO, Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture, INAHURAT, has demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, immediately implement an interim forfeiture order issued by the Federal High Court in respect of Plot 4022, Guzape District, and Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863, Katampe District, of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The plots are the subject of an alleged land fraud case involving a respondent, Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac.

Omokamo was charged before the Abuja Federal High Court following a petition by a 79-year-old widow, Hajia Colleen Mero Yesufu, over alleged fraudulent conversion and sale of her properties.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, INAHURAT, speaking through Barrister Maxwell Opara, who has been demanding justice for Yesufu, alleged that the Nigeria Police Force, led by Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, and the EFCC are obstructing the high profile land fraud case.

INAHURAT had severally accused the IGP of shielding Omokamo, who is said to be his associate.

Despite being under prosecution by the IGP, Omokamo is said to be moving about with police escort.

INAHURAT specifically demanded that the EFCC must implement an interim forfeiture order issued concerning the plots by Justice Obiora Atuegwu of the Abuja Federal High Court since March 7, 2025.

Listing other demands, Opara said, “Immediate Police Withdrawal: The Inspector General of Police must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all armed police personnel assigned to protect his associate and suspect – Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac on Hajia Yesufu’s properties.

“Comprehensive Investigation: The Police Service Commission (PSC), the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Office of the National Security Adviser must launch an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the alleged misconduct of police officers, including: The origin and use of the forged Police Report dated August 22, 2014. The actions of all police officers who provided illegal protection and prevented a lawful arrest by the EFCC. The circumstances surrounding the abrupt halting of the initial investigation and the suspicious “Volte-Face” to charge the suspects without the complainant’s knowledge.

“Full Accountability: All individuals found culpable, regardless of their status or connections, must be held fully accountable under the law. The integrity of our justice system and security apparatus is paramount.”

Opara warned that failure to act swiftly and transparently will compel INAHURAT, Yesufu and the estimated 60 other victims of the injustice to personally lead a protest to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, demanding justice for all affected Nigerians.

Opara decried that systemic failures on the part of the police and the EFCC enable fraud and injustice.

“The ordeal of Hajia Yesufu, a vulnerable elderly citizen is a glaring indictment of the systemic failures that enable fraud and injustice in Nigeria. Despite being the rightful owner of Plot 4022, Guzape District, and Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863, Katampe District, with all legal titles and bills duly paid, she has faced egregious obstruction of justice by the very institutions sworn to protect her,” he said.

Opara highlighted what he described as a disturbing pattern of alleged police complicity in the case.

He said, “INAHURAT Nigeria highlights a deeply troubling pattern of actions and inactions by the Nigeria Police Force under IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who is alleged to have a close relationship with the principal suspect in this matter.

“Abrupt Halting of Legitimate Investigations: An initial petition to the FCT Police Commissioner on September 4, 2023, led to arrests on November 17, 2023. However, investigations were abruptly halted, reportedly on instructions from the IGP.

“Aiding Illegal Occupation and Development: Despite FCTA Stop Work Notices since August 2023 and a Withdrawal of Building Approval Notice in October 2023, the suspect allegedly continued building on the disputed property with overt protection from armed police officers. This protection persisted even after the EFCC marked the property in April and June 2024.

“Prevention of Lawful Arrest: On March 6, 2025, the then FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Tunji Disu, allegedly arrived at the property to “rescue” the principal suspect from EFCC operatives after the suspect’s six armed police guards prevented her arrest. This happened after she had allegedly jumped bail granted her by the EFCC. The Nigeria Police Force has yet to provide a credible explanation for these inexcusable actions.”

The lawyer equally raised concerns regarding the role of the EFCC in the case, alleging obstruction of justice and delayed prosecution on the part of the anti-graft agency.

“INAHURAT also expresses grave concerns regarding the alleged conduct of the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede in this particular matter. Undue Influence for Settlement: In September 2024, after interviewing only the suspect, the EFCC chairman allegedly insisted that the 79-year-old victim meet with the suspects for a settlement. This was done without granting Hajia Yesufu an opportunity to state her case.

“Delays in Prosecution: Following the failed settlement, Hajia Yesufu experienced undue delays. While the suspects were eventually arraigned on June 18, 2025, at the Federal High Court, the EFCC has unjustifiably delayed their arraignment for related charges in Suit No. CR/100/2025 at the FCT High Court which was since filed in March 2025,” Opara added.

Yesufu has in a letter she personally signed, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to come to her aid and save her life’s savings and family’s legacy from being stolen through an intricate web of forgery, theft, and fraudulent sales orchestrated by Omokamo and her co-conspirators.

She narrated how the Nigerian Police had continued to shield and provide illegal protection for the perpetrator despite investigative reports by government agencies indicting her of forgery and criminal conspiracy.

In the letter dated 10th June, 2025, the grandma said the purpose of the letter is to demand urgent intervention to ensure that justice is not only done, but visibly seen to be done in this matter.

Parts of the letter read, “My properties, specifically Plot 4022 at Guzape District and Plots 1861, 1862, 1863 at Katampe District, representing my life’s savings and my family’s legacy, were illegally stolen through an intricate web of forgery, theft, and fraudulent sales orchestrated by Ms. Omokamo and her co-conspirators.

“Crucially, Your Excellency, I wish to draw your attention to the conclusive findings of independent investigations conducted by reputable government agencies tasked with upholding integrity and fighting corruption, based on your directive following her deceptive and dubious Open Letter to you, sir.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have all conducted thorough investigations into this matter.”

Land fraud case: CSO accuses EFCC, Police of obstruction, demands implementation of court order