Lagos Socialite Abu Abel Arrested Over ₦447 Million Land Fraud, Faces Prosecution

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Popular Lagos socialite Abu Abel, real name Olaseni Johnson Olayinika, has been arrested by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Alagbon over an alleged ₦447 million land fraud. The arrest, which took place on July 27, 2025, followed weeks of manhunt after the suspect reportedly went into hiding in Victoria Island.

The operation, led by CSP Taiwo Oyewole on the orders of AIG Margaret Ochalla, was initiated following a petition by Doyin Investment Group. According to the complaint, Abu Abel sold three plots of land located on Augustina Orji Street, Oke‑Arin Village in Eti‑Osa, Lagos, for ₦447 million in 2023, claiming full ownership. However, the buyer later discovered the land was already under third-party claims.

Investigations revealed that Abu Abel admitted knowledge of the encumbrance and agreed to refund the money. He repaid ₦230 million but defaulted on the remaining ₦217 million. In January 2024, he signed a written undertaking to either refund the balance or forfeit his Lekki property if he failed to pay. Instead of fulfilling the agreement, he allegedly filed a human rights suit to stall police action, which investigators described as a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.

Security sources indicate that Abu Abel may have ties to a network involved in fraud, land grabbing, and criminal intimidation across Lagos and Ogun States. At the time of his arrest, officers recovered key documents, including receipts, deeds of assignment, undertakings, and correspondence linking him to the alleged fraud.

The suspect is expected to be arraigned soon on charges of obtaining money under false pretence, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy to defraud under the EFCC Act 2006 and the Criminal Code. Doyin Investment Group has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure full prosecution and recovery of the outstanding ₦217 million.

This high-profile arrest has sparked widespread reactions as Nigerians watch closely how the case unfolds, given Abu Abel’s prominent social status.