Table of Contents
- New Dimension in Lekki Land Dispute
- Police Report and Investigations
- Arraignment of Defendants
- Petition Against Police Findings
- Latest Police Findings
- Court Date Adjournment
A new aspect has emerged in the ongoing Lekki land dispute, as the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has instructed the police to reopen investigations regarding alleged forgery and intentional property destruction involving real estate developer Alex Ochonogor and his attorney, Ademola Owolabi.
This directive followed a second police report, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dahiru, which had previously cleared Ochonogor and Owolabi of all accusations.
In a letter dated August 22, 2025, and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, the Ministry directed the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Annex, Ikoyi, to revisit the case, interview additional witnesses, and re-evaluate key evidence.
The correspondence, addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID, specifically identified Dr. Obidigwe Eze and Major Hamza Al-Mustapha as essential witnesses whose earlier statements should be reassessed in light of new information.
Ochonogor was recently brought before a Lagos State High Court located in Tafawa Balewa Square, alongside lawyers Ademola Owolabi and Adebayo Akeju, facing charges related to forgery of land documents and unlawful demolition of structures in Lekki. The defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
Dissatisfied with the previous police findings that led to their indictment, Ochonogor and Owolabi submitted a petition to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, alleging bias, abuse of power, and a compromised investigation.
Their petition led to a new investigation, which exonerated them of any wrongdoing and confirmed that the demolition in question had been officially authorized.
According to the most recent police findings, on July 12, 1994, the Lagos State Government issued a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O No. 36/36/1994w) for Block 133, Plot 10, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who was then the Chief Security Officer to the late General Sani Abacha.
Investigators also revealed that Ochonogor was introduced to the property in 2015 through an estate agent, Donatus Eze of Trust Dede and Property Nigeria Limited.
Engineer Peter Omotosho of Archbond Builders Ltd confirmed that the demolition notice was properly issued and published by the Lagos State Government in 2009.
The police also uncovered that the deed of assignment presented by the complainant, allegedly signed by Al-Mustapha and Abdul Fatai Alao Thomas, was forged, while the Registrar of Titles verified that the memorandum of loss related to the property was authentic and duly registered.
Justice Serifat Sonaike has adjourned the case to October 13, 2025, for further hearing.
What is the Lekki land dispute about?
The Lekki land dispute involves allegations of forgery and property destruction related to a real estate development, with key figures including Alex Ochonogor and his lawyer, Ademola Owolabi.
What were the findings of the police investigation?
The police investigation initially cleared the defendants of wrongdoing and confirmed that the demolition of structures had been officially sanctioned.
When is the next court hearing scheduled?
The next court hearing is scheduled for October 13, 2025.
