Lagos, Nigeria – Popular Lagos socialite and businessman, Olaseni Johnson, widely known as "Abu Abel," has been arrested by police operatives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, in connection with an alleged N447 million land fraud.

Sources indicate that Abu Abel was apprehended during an operation led by CSP Taiwo Oyewole at a residence in Victoria Island, where he was reportedly attempting to evade arrest. The arrest follows a petition filed by Doyin Investment Group of Companies, which accused Olayinka of fraudulently selling them three plots of land in Ojomu Chieftaincy Family land, Oke-Arin Village, Mayegun, Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

According to the petitioner, Abu Abel allegedly presented himself as the legitimate owner of the plots, measuring approximately 1,800.311 square meters, in 2023. He purportedly convinced the company to pay N447 million for the property, and a Deed of Assignment was duly executed between the parties.

However, it is alleged that Abu Abel only refunded N230 million in bits, defaulting on the remaining balance of N217 million. The petitioner further claims that he became evasive and began issuing threats to company officials. In an attempt to resolve the matter, Abu Abel reportedly signed a written undertaking on January 11, 2024, to repay the balance, using his property at Block C, Plot 22, Oba Amusa Adebambo Avenue, Lekki, as collateral. Despite this, he allegedly failed to offset the debt.

The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of FCID, Mrs. Margaret Ochalla, is reported to have ordered Olayinka's arrest. A source close to the investigation revealed that Abu Abel is also being probed for alleged ties to a secret cult group, which is reportedly involved in high-profile fraud, land grabbing, and criminal intimidation across Lagos and Ogun states. The arrest operation, described as intelligence-driven, was successfully concluded in Abuja.

Abu Abel is expected to be arraigned soon on multiple charges, including obtaining money under false pretence, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy to defraud, contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Criminal Code Act.

This is not the first time Abu Abel's name has surfaced in controversies. He has previously been involved in land disputes, including one where he publicly apologized for falsely accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu, and the Chief of Staff of the Lagos State Government, Tayo Ayinde, of forcefully taking his land. He has also been mentioned in connection with other incidents, including a viral video in 2023 where a popular DJ was seen begging him after allegedly being brutally beaten.

The current arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address alleged land fraud and related criminal activities in Lagos State.