Lagos Socialite Arrested Over Alleged N447m Land Scam

Olaseni Johnson Olayinka, popularly known as Abu Abel, a well-known figure in Lagos social circles, has been apprehended by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) over allegations of land fraud amounting to N447 million.

Abel was tracked down and arrested at a Victoria Island hideout after weeks on the run.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by Doyin Investment Group of Companies, which accused him of selling three plots of land in the Mayegun area of Eti-Osa, Lagos, under false pretenses.

The company claimed to have paid N447 million for the land after a Deed of Assignment was executed in 2023. However, it later emerged that the land was already encumbered and under third-party claims.

Abel allegedly admitted knowledge of the issue and agreed to refund the money, making partial payments of N230 million before defaulting on the remaining balance.

Documents recovered from Abel during his arrest include payment receipts, the Deed of Assignment, and correspondence with the complainants. He is also under investigation for alleged ties to a secret cult group involved in land grabbing and intimidation across Lagos and Ogun States.

Abel is expected to face charges related to obtaining money under false pretenses, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy to defraud.