Lagos Socialite Abu Abel Arrested Over Alleged ₦447m Land Fraud

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, has apprehended Lagos-based socialite Olaseni Johnson Olayinika, popularly known as Abu Abel, over his alleged involvement in a ₦447 million land scam.

Police sources confirmed that Abu Abel, who had reportedly been on the run for weeks, was traced and arrested at a residence in Victoria Island. The operation was led by CSP Taiwo Oyewole and ordered by Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Margaret Ochalla, following a detailed petition by business entity Doyin Investment Group of Companies.

The land scam centers on three plots situated along Augustina Orji Street within the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family land, Oke-Arin Village, Mayegun, in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos. In 2023, the Doyin Investment Group claimed they were fraudulently convinced by Abel—who posed as the legitimate landowner—to pay ₦447 million for Plots 1, 4, and 10, together measuring over 1,800sq m. A Deed of Assignment was executed for the transaction.

ADVERTISEMENT

Trouble began when Doyin Investment discovered after the purchase that the land was encumbered and already subject to other claims. When challenged, Abel admitted knowledge of the encumbrance and pledged to refund the payment partially. He refunded ₦230 million, but defaulted on the balance of ₦217 million. According to the company, Abel became evasive and issued threats instead of repaying the balance as promised.

On January 11, 2024, Abel reportedly signed a written undertaking, committing to repay the outstanding sum or forfeit his property at Block C, Plot 22, Oba Amusa Adebambo Avenue, Lekki. Instead, he filed a human rights lawsuit many described as an attempt to dodge the repayment and justice process.

After weeks of coordinated intelligence work, law enforcement agents apprehended him at his hideout. Police say key documents—including payment receipts, the Deed of Assignment, and the written undertakings—were recovered from the suspect. Abel now faces imminent arraignment on charges relating to obtaining money under false pretence, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy to defraud, under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Criminal Code Act.

The Doyin Investment Group has called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure prosecution and recovery of the company’s outstanding funds. The case has thrown further light on the ongoing and rampant issue of land fraud in Lagos—a trend affecting thousands yearly and often involving elaborate schemes and fictitious documentation.

The police urge the public to be vigilant in land transactions, emphasizing due diligence and verification through legal channels before payment.