Abuja property dispute: CSO demands probe in Police role

Human rights group, Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), has called on President Bola Tinubu to order investigation into the role of the Nigerian Police in alleged attempt to derail justice in a criminal trespass forgery on a property belonging to one Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu.

The initiative at a press conference in Abuja raised concerns that the suspects in the property theft had continued to be shielded by the police, thereby denying the rightful owner of the said property justice.

Addressing press conference, convener of the initiative and human rights lawyer, Barr. Maxwell Opara, recalled several press briefings in which they raised concerns over allegations of conspiracy, forgery, criminal trespass and sale of the said property.

“You may recall that on December 23, 2024, we addressed you regarding the serious allegations of conspiracy, forgery of titles, theft, criminal trespass and fraudulent sale of properties at Plots 1861, 1862, 1863, Katampe, and Plot 4022, Guzape District, Abuja, (by) Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (aka Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu), Homadil Realty Limited and Co.

“During that press briefing, we expressed our deep concern over how the Inspector General of Police, IGP, was using his office to shield the suspects from proper investigation, thereby allowing Mrs. Collen Mero Yesufu, a 79-year-old grandmother, to suffer injustice.

“We also urged the IGP to refrain from interfering in the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and to allow due process to take its course,” he said.

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.’

Responding to the statement, the group convened another press briefing on January 8, 2025, where it alleged that 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,” Opara said.