The properties, allegedly sold under fraudulent circumstances, belong to Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu, a 79-year-old grandmother.
A civic organisation, the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), led by human rights lawyer, Maxwell Opara, has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an independent investigation into allegations of conspiracy, forgery, theft, criminal trespass, and fraudulent property sales in Abuja.
The case involves multiple legal battles centered on the alleged wrongful sale of prime properties—Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863 in Katampe, as well as Plot 4022 in Guzape District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The properties, allegedly sold under fraudulent circumstances, belong to Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu, a 79-year-old grandmother.
INAHURAT accused the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, of shielding the suspects from proper investigation.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Chief Maxwell Chibuike Opara, of INAHURAT, decried alleged police efforts to frustrate justice. He claimed that since December 23, 2024, the group had been raising concerns about the case, particularly the police’s role in obstructing investigations.
INAHURAT emphasised the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had already launched a diligent investigation, securing a court order for the forfeiture of the properties in question.
He added that the court had also required the suspect, Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu, to explain why the properties should not be handed back to Mrs. Yesufu.
Furthermore, INAHURAT called on the National Assembly and other relevant oversight bodies to scrutinise the actions of the police and hold any involved officers accountable.
They also called on the judiciary to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to manipulate or delay justice.
"On December 30, 2024, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a public statement on behalf of the IGP, denying any interference and dismissing our claims as "mischief." He further stated that the IGP had "no business dealing with civil matters."
"However, in response to this misleading and inaccurate statement, we convened another press briefing on January 8, 2025, where we presented credible evidence of how the IGP had actively frustrated the investigation from the moment the petition was submitted to his office.
"We provided details on how the EFCC diligently carried out a thorough investigation, prepared a report, and proceeded to court for a forfeiture order against the suspects.
"We highlighted that the court had already ordered the suspect, Bilikisu Ishaq Aliyu, to show cause why the properties should not be forfeited to the rightful owner Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu.
"We declared our loss of confidence in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) regarding this case due to their complicity and deliberate obstruction of justice.
"We commended the EFCC for their professionalism and dedication in handling the matter fairly and without bias.
"Following our 8th January, 2025 press briefing, and in a clear attempt to cover up their complicity, the Nigerian Police hurriedly filed criminal charges against the suspect—not in the interest of justice, but rather to divert attention from their initial efforts to frustrate the case.
"Arraigned her in court secretly without the notice of the fraud victims and bail granted to her without any objection.
"This last-minute move is a calculated strategy aimed at: Creating a distraction from the evidence already presented against them.
"Undermining the EFCC's work by taking control of a case that is already far advanced under the EFCC’s jurisdiction.
"Further shielding the suspect from proper legal consequences through manipulations within the police system.
"Given these glaring abuses of power, we are calling on: His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to order a full-scale, independent investigation into this case, including the role played by the Nigerian Police Force in attempting to derail justice.
"The Inspector General of Police to immediately hands off this matter and allow the EFCC to continue with its legally sanctioned investigation and forfeiture process.
"The National Assembly and relevant oversight bodies to scrutinize the conduct of the police in this matter and ensure that officers who abuse their powers for personal or political interests are held accountable.
"The Nigerian Judiciary to remain vigilant against any form of manipulation by those who seek to obstruct justice through delay tactics and baseless criminal charges.
"The attempt by the Nigerian Police Force to manipulate this case, obstruct due process, and protect the suspect is a direct attack on justice and accountability.
"We refuse to stand by while the rights of innocent citizens, especially vulnerable individuals like a 79-year-old grandmother, are trampled upon by those entrusted with upholding the law.
"We stand firm in our commitment to exposing human rights abuses and fighting for justice, and we will not relent until this matter is properly addressed. We call on the President, the EFCC, the Judiciary, and all relevant authorities to intervene immediately and ensure that justice prevails," the statement added.