Alleged Attempt to Incite Public Disorder: IGP, Lagos CP Urged to Caution Okoyas

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, have been called upon to caution RAO Property Investment Limited, owned by Chief Okoya and his wife, Shade, over an alleged attempt to cause public disorder.

The call was made by human rights lawyer, Dr.

Explaining the reason behind his petition, Dr. Opara said Green Birch Tech had leased a mini estate from RAO Property Investment Limited—owned by Chief Okoya and his wife—since 2021.

He alleged that while the tenancy agreement was still valid, the Okoyas, accompanied by thugs and some unauthorized police officers, invaded the estate, causing damage to property. According to him, Green Birch Tech had already invested heavily in developing the estate to its current modern standard.

Sources revealed that upon realizing the current market value of the property, the Okoyas allegedly increased the rent from ₦3 million to ₦12 million per annum for each three-bedroom flat, even though the existing lease had not expired.

Furthermore, while negotiations were still ongoing, RAO Property Investment Limited reportedly instructed tenants to stop paying rent to Green Birch Tech. It was also alleged that they boasted of their influence, claiming they could secure a favorable judgment within six months—a claim that appeared validated after they won at the Lagos High Court before Green Birch Tech appealed the ruling.

In addition, Green Birch Tech sought Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to settle the issue amicably. However, during ongoing negotiations, RAO Property Investment Limited allegedly began demanding that Green Birch Tech vacate the estate.

“My client, Green Birch Tech, requested to remain on the property until December 2027 to enable it to recoup its investment,” Dr. Opara stated. “But RAO Property Investment Limited refused and instead resorted to the use of thugs. They even went behind us to instruct our tenants not to pay rent, while still demanding that we pay ₦12 million annually—up from ₦3 million—without considering that our tenants haven’t paid us.”

According to him, after disputes over the rent increase, the Okoyas later shifted the demand to ₦4.5 million and ₦6 million per flat, a proposal Green Birch Tech found unreasonable while the case remained in court.

Dr. Opara further alleged that the Okoyas had already transferred ownership of the same property to Senator Domingo, CEO of Dajo Oil, who has since issued a legal notice warning against further dealings with them.

“The Okoyas are not above the law and must respect the rule of law,” Dr. Opara declared.