Legal Tussle Emerges Over Efunroye Tinubu Estate as Counsel Warns IGP Monitoring Unit

A fresh legal controversy has emerged involving the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Team and a Lagos-based businessman, Chief Akinfolabi Akindele, over the management of property under the Efunroye Tinubu Estate.

In a letter addressed to the Head of the IGP Monitoring Team at Force Headquarters, Abuja—specifically to Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede—counsel to Chief Akindele has strongly objected to the ongoing investigation of his client by the police unit. The letter, issued by M.D. Idris Esq. of Yemi & Co., contends that the matter is purely civil in nature and lies outside the statutory purview of police investigation.

The counsel noted that both the Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Lagos, have previously investigated similar issues and affirmed the ownership structure of the estate attributed to the late Madam Efunroye Tinubu.

Furthermore, the letter reveals that the matter is already sub judice, as an action has been instituted before the High Court of Lagos State in Suit No. LD/8909GCMW/2022.

The suit, filed by Adaamakin Investment and Works Ltd, challenges the propriety of any complaint being entertained by the police in relation to Chief Akindele’s management of the estate.

In light of the pending litigation, Chief Akindele’s legal team asserts that he will no longer respond to police invitations not out of disregard for law enforcement, but out of respect for the judiciary.

“It is in the best interest of the rule of law and judicial authority that the IGP Monitoring Team refrain from further interference until the matter is resolved by the court,” the letter states.

The letter concludes with a stern warning that any further attempt by the police to proceed with the investigation may compel the activation of legal proceedings against the Monitoring Team leadership.

As at press time, the Force Headquarters had not issued an official response.

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