The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, has ordered a renewed police inquiry into accusations of forgery and intentional property destruction involving real estate developer Alex Ochonogor and his legal representative, Ademola Owolabi.
This directive follows a second police report, endorsed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dahiru, which cleared Ochonogor and Owolabi of any misconduct.
In a correspondence dated August 22, 2025, signed by Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the Ministry of Justice instructed the police to reopen the investigation. The letter emphasized the need to interview additional witnesses and reassess critical documents related to the case.
The letter was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annexe in Ikoyi, as well as the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Specifically, the Ministry requested that the investigative team question key individuals such as Dr. Obidigwe Eze and Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, citing new information that has emerged.
Last week, Ochonogor appeared before the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square alongside two lawyers, Ademola Owolabi and Adebayo Akeju. They face allegations of falsifying land documents and unlawfully demolishing property in the Lekki area of Lagos State.
All defendants pleaded not guilty and were subsequently granted bail by the presiding judge.
Despite the initial police report that led to their indictment, Ochonogor and his counsel submitted a petition to the Commissioner of Police, accusing the investigation of bias, abuse of power, inadequate inquiry, and targeted harassment.
The police report, now forwarded to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions for further action, revealed that no documents were forged and that the demolition was authorized by the appropriate government agency and officials.
Key findings from the investigation include: “On July 12, 1994, the Lagos State Government issued a Certificate of Occupancy (No. 36/361994w) for a parcel of land identified as Block 133, Plot 10, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who served as Chief Security Officer to then Head of State, Gen. Sanni Abacha.
“Alex Ochonogor was introduced to the property at Block 133, Plot 10, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, through an agent, Donatus Eze, Managing Director of Trust Dede and Property Nigeria Limited, located at Plot 6, Udeco Road, Off Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos, on March 3, 2015.
“Engineer Peter Omotosho of Archbond Builders Ltd confirmed that the demolition notice was legitimately signed by himself and Mr. Bode Agoro of Lagos State, confirming its authenticity.”
“The Lagos State Government also published the demolition notice in the Punch Newspaper on September 11, 2009, signed by Mr. Gbenga B. Ashafa, Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau.”
“The police established that the deed of assignment presented by complainant Dr. Obidigwe Eze was not signed by Major Hamza Al-Mustapha or Mr. Abdul Fatai Alao Thomas, indicating the document was forged.”
“The Lagos State Registrar of Titles verified that the memorandum of loss was properly registered and therefore genuine.”
“Furthermore, the memorandum of loss declaration and affidavit of loss were duly signed by Al-Mustapha, confirming their legitimacy.”
Justice Serifat Sonaike has adjourned the matter until October 13, 2025.
Reacting to the renewed police probe, Lagos-based lawyer George Obot described the developments as crucial, suggesting they could result in the defendants’ complete vindication.
Obot criticized the Ministry of Justice for overlooking essential aspects of the case, including key evidence and witness testimonies, which contributed to the premature prosecution of the accused.
Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that the Lagos State Attorney General, Commissioner for Justice, and other Ministry officials still have the opportunity to rectify the situation.
