In a storm of betrayal, fraud, and criminal conspiracy, Barr. Okoi Obeten Okoi a former legal counsel to Afriq Group of Companies, finds himself at the center of a land scandal worth tens of millions of naira. Once a trusted company’s legal representative, Okoi has now earned the label of fugitive from the law after repeatedly refusing to honour police invitations and allegedly masterminding a shocking impersonation of a senior police officer.
Afriq Group of Companies entrusted Barr. Okoi with millions of naira to purchase 115 plots of land for its global farm project. He was not just the company lawyer but also the contractor, handling everything, negotiations with communities, chiefs, and families; verifying land ownership; approving payments; and supplying bank accounts for transactions.
When the company’s CEO, Mr. Jesam Michael, returned from Canada to inspect the sites, the lands presented by Barr. Okoi looked far smaller than expected. Suspicious, the CEO demanded a proper survey.
The result was shocking. An independent surveyor, Mr. Felix Eze, confirmed that the 105 plots Okoi claimed were actually only 72 plots, while the 10 plots he claimed elsewhere were just 8 plots. In total, 35 plots worth millions of naira were missing.
Okoi swore he had secured all 115 plots. But when confronted with the truth, he promised to replace the shortfall. Months later, he claimed to have bought 15 plots, leaving 20 still missing. He begged for one week to complete the replacement. That week has stretched into months, and he never fulfilled the promise. Instead, he fled.
This was no mistake. For years, Barr. Okoi was on the company’s payroll, earning salary and allowances for every trip he made on behalf of Afriq Group. He prepared deeds of assignment, approved every payment, and presented himself as the eye of the company.
How can the same man now deny involvement in the missing plots? He was the one who verified ownership, negotiated prices, and supplied account numbers. The betrayal runs deep.
When Afriq Group filed a petition, police at the Ugep Division invited Okoi four times. He refused to honor the invitations. Instead, he sent a man pretending to come from SAN Kanu Agabi’s chambers in Clabar, a lie, since the Senior Advocate has no such office there.
Okoi was later arrested at Yakurr Guest House, Ugep. But in an unbelievable twist, he allegedly staged a phone call impersonating the Commissioner of Police (CP) of Cross River State, claiming the Inspector General had ordered his release. Shockingly, he was freed without proper documentation.
When the real CP was contacted, he denied ever hearing of the case or ordering such a release. Investigations later revealed that some officers in Calabar, including Barr. Daniel Edet, allegedly colluded with Okoi to impersonate the CP and obstruct justice.
Instead of clearing his name, Barr. Okoi has resorted to running, hiding, and blackmailing. He has made false publications, called the CEO names, and tried to paint himself as a victim. But his actions speak louder:
He received millions to buy land but delivered far less.
He swore falsely about plots that never existed.
He ran when the truth came out.
He impersonated police authorities to escape lawful custody.
Afriq Group has declared that the matter is beyond one man. It is about the survival and integrity of the company. Whether or not the CEO is around, the management, legal team, compliance officers, and staff are determined to recover the company’s properties and expose the fraud.
”If Barr. Okoi is innocent as he claims, why is he running from police arrest? Why impersonate the Commissioner of Police instead of answering simple invitations?” the company asked in a statement.
Security agencies, including the DSS, NSA, and FCID, have now received petitions and are investigating the case.
From trusted lawyer to fugitive, the story of Barr. Okoi Obetan Okoi is a chilling reminder of how greed and betrayal can destroy trust. He was paid, trusted, and empowered, but instead of serving the company faithfully, he allegedly stole from it and now hides behind lies and impersonation.
Afriq Group’s message is clear:
”We want our land back. We want justice. Barr. Okoi has betrayed trust, broken the law, and must face the consequences.”
