The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Lagos has put forth a recommendation for the prosecution of top officials from Ardova Plc due to an alleged forceful acquisition of a prime asset located in Ikoyi, Lagos. In response, Familia Limited, the entity claiming ownership, has lodged a lawsuit amounting to N5 billion at the Lagos State High Court.
On Tuesday, PREMIUM TIMES obtained and reviewed an official copy of the police's interim report, dated December 6, 2025, and authored by Chief Superintendent of Police Taiwo Oyewale. This report was sent to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2.
The report indicates that there are sufficient grounds to believe that the suspects committed several misdemeanors, including conspiracy, unlawful invasion, malicious damage, and threats to life.
"It is established that the suspects committed offences of conspiracy, unlawful invasion, malicious damage and threat to life.
"I humbly suggest that the case file should be duplicated and forwarded to the legal section for advice and possible prosecution," the report noted.
The contention revolves around a property located at 12 Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, which Familia asserts was purchased from Forte Oil Plc for N1 billion back in 2013.
The police report elaborates that on August 8, 2025, officials from Ardova Plc, along with members of the Lagos State Task Force and Monitoring Unit, allegedly entered the property without a court order, ejected its personnel, demolished a bungalow situated on the land, and erected two 40-foot containers with the inscription "THIS PROPERTY BELONGS TO ARDOVA PLC."
The petition that initiated the police investigation was submitted by Capstone Law Firm on behalf of Familia Limited, identifying Abdulwasiu Sowami, CEO of Ardova Plc, and Moshood Olajide, Managing Director, as suspects.
The investigation led by Mr. Oyewale involved an examination of documents and discussions with key individuals.
Police Report Chronicles Property's History
The police report asserts that Julius Owatuga, the former Chief Finance Officer of Forte Oil Plc and now Managing Director of Geregu Power Plc, verified that the property was sold to Familia in 2013 and that the payment was documented in Forte Oil’s annual report for that year.
Investigator reports suggest that the property was not among the assets handed over when Ardova Plc later acquired shares from Forte Oil, confirming the transaction was appropriately noted in the company’s financial documents.
According to the police report, Mr. Olajide claimed that the property was previously the residence of the managing director during Forte Oil's operation as British Petroleum and stated that a check at the Lands Registry in Alausa revealed the property was still registered under British Petroleum, which led to the request for police assistance to reclaim it.
Further, he insisted that the takeover was executed without opposition.
Findings by Police
The police findings underscored that documents scrutinized during the investigation, including the Deed of Assignment dated August 18, 2013, validate that Familia acquired and has held possession of the property for nearly 12 years. The report also highlighted that the Lagos State Government extended the lease in February 2024 for an additional 99 years.
The investigation uncovered that Forte Oil confirmed the property's sale, and it was established that a structure belonging to Familia was demolished during the takeover attempt.
Consequently, the police recommended passing the case file to the legal department for guidance and potential prosecution for offenses including conspiracy, unlawful entry, property destruction, and threats to life.
Civil Litigation Initiation
In a related action, Familia has filed civil suit number LD/184721MW/2025 at the Lagos State High Court against Ardova Plc and the Lagos State Attorney General.
In the legal document dated December 19, 2025, reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES, Familia seeks a declaration affirming its legal and equitable ownership of the property and exclusive possession from 2013 until August 8, 2025.
Additionally, the firm is pursuing claims of N48.3 million for the demolished bungalow, N2 billion for trespassing and economic damages, N1 billion for defamation, N1 billion for an alleged breach of the Deed of Assignment by Ardova Plc, and a further N1 billion in consolidated claims against the Lagos State Government for perceived constitutional violations.
Familia is also requesting N50 million for legal costs, an order mandating the removal of the containers and signage from the land, and a permanent injunction against any future interference.
According to court procedures, the defendants have 42 days from receiving the lawsuit to respond; failure to do so could lead to a judgment by default.
As of the time of this report, Ardova Plc had not submitted a defense.
Ardova's Response
In response, Ardova Plc, through a detailed message sent via WhatsApp by Grant Onome, addressed the publication that appeared to stem from an online source concerning the property.
The company noted that two opposing lawsuits are currently underway before the Lagos State High Court connected to the property.
Ardova recognized that in one of the cases, the opposing party has claimed that the police endorsed its supposed title to the asset.
However, Ardova contends that, to its knowledge, the police had cautioned its operatives against engaging in territorial disputes.
The company expressed astonishment at claims suggesting that the police did not follow this directive in this instance, emphasizing that the police do not hold land title authority nor adjudicate land disputes.
"We will refrain from engaging with authors or promoters of the publication on social media and will instead focus on presenting our case within the court framework," Ardova stated.
Furthermore, the company confirmed that it has initiated its own civil lawsuit to assert its rights to the property, with ongoing proceedings at the Lagos State High Court.
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