Police operatives attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, have apprehended a well-known socialite, Olaseni Johnson Olayinka, popularly known as Abu Abel, for allegedly defrauding a company of ₦447 million in a high-profile land scam.
The suspect was arrested in a covert operation led by CSP Taiwo Oyewole at a residence in Victoria Island, Lagos, where he had allegedly gone into hiding. The arrest followed an order by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of FCID, Margaret Ochalla, based on a petition filed by Doyin Investment Group of Companies.
According to the petition, the company accused Abu Abel of fraudulently selling them three plots of land—specifically plots 1, 4, and 10—measuring approximately 1,800.311 square metres. The land, situated on Augustina Orji Street within the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family land in Oke-Arin Village, Mayegun, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, was allegedly misrepresented by the suspect as unencumbered property in 2023.
Relying on the suspect’s claims, the company reportedly paid ₦447 million for the plots, and a Deed of Assignment was duly signed by both parties. However, after the transaction was completed, the company discovered that the land was already encumbered and subject to third-party claims.
Upon being confronted, Abu Abel allegedly admitted knowledge of the encumbrance and promised to refund the payment. He reportedly returned ₦230 million in staggered payments but defaulted on the remaining ₦217 million. Subsequently, the suspect became evasive and was alleged to have issued threats to officials of the company.
On January 11, 2024, the suspect signed a written undertaking committing to repay the outstanding balance and used his property located at Block C, Plot 22, Oba Amusa Adebambo Avenue, Lekki, as collateral. Despite this, he failed to honour the agreement and instead filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit, which investigators believe was an attempt to obstruct justice.
Following weeks of intelligence gathering to trace his whereabouts, Abu Abel was finally apprehended. According to an insider familiar with the investigation, he is also under scrutiny for alleged ties to a clandestine cult group reportedly involved in land grabbing, high-profile fraud, and criminal intimidation across Lagos and Ogun states.
“The arrest was carried out by CSP Taiwo James and her tactical team under the directive of AIG Margaret Ochalla. It was an intelligence-driven operation that culminated successfully in Abuja,” the source stated.
During the arrest, police operatives recovered vital documents including payment receipts, the original Deed of Assignment, written undertakings, and other relevant correspondences with the complainant.
He is expected to be arraigned soon on multiple charges, including obtaining money under false pretences, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy to defraud—offences contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006, as well as the Criminal Code Act.
In the meantime, Doyin Investment Group has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that justice is done and the outstanding ₦217 million is recovered.
“This was a calculated act of fraud. We conducted the transaction lawfully and in good faith. The company is now bearing financial losses, and we urge the police to ensure full restitution. We appreciate the efforts made so far and believe justice will prevail,” a representative of the company stated.