Barrister Okoi Obeten Okoi, once a trusted legal counsel to Afriq Group of Companies, now stands accused of orchestrating one of the most brazen cases of fraud and betrayal in recent corporate history. Once seen as a reliable adviser, he is today a fugitive from the law, evading justice after allegations of land fraud worth tens of millions of naira and an audacious impersonation of a senior police officer.
Afriq Group of Companies entrusted Okoi with the purchase of 115 plots of land for a large-scale agricultural project. As both company lawyer and contractor, he managed negotiations, verified ownership, and supplied accounts for payment. However, when the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jesam Michael, returned from Canada to inspect the properties, serious discrepancies emerged.
An independent survey by Mr. Felix Eze revealed that the 115 plots Okoi claimed to have secured were in fact only 80 plots, leaving a shortfall of 35 plots valued at millions of naira.
Though confronted, Okoi initially promised to replace the missing plots, claiming later to have bought only 15 more. He begged for a week to complete the purchase, a promise that eventually stretched into months. He never delivered.
For years, Okoi was on Afriq Group’s payroll, earning salaries and allowances for every official trip. He prepared deeds of assignment, approved payments, and positioned himself as the company’s trusted representative.
Yet, when the fraud was uncovered, he denied responsibility, despite being the sole individual who verified land ownership, negotiated prices, and managed all transactions. The betrayal, the company insists, runs deep.
After Afriq Group filed a petition, police in Ugep invited Okoi on four occasions. He refused to appear. Instead, he allegedly sent an impersonator, falsely claiming to represent SAN Kanu Agabi’s chambers in Calabar, a fabrication, since the Senior Advocate maintains no such office there.
Eventually, Okoi was arrested at Yakurr Guest House, Ugep. But in an astonishing twist, he allegedly staged a phone call impersonating the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, claiming that the Inspector General had ordered his release. Shockingly, he was freed without proper documentation.
When contacted, the actual Commissioner of Police denied knowledge of the case. Investigations later pointed to alleged collusion between Okoi and some officers, including Barrister Daniel Edet, in the impersonation scheme.
Rather than clear his name, Okoi resorted to evasion, blackmail, and false publications aimed at discrediting the company and its CEO. His record, however, speaks for itself:
He received millions to purchase 115 plots but delivered far fewer.
He gave false assurances about non-existent land.
He fled instead of facing accountability.
He allegedly impersonated police authorities to secure release from custody.
Afriq Group has since petitioned the DSS, NSA, and FCID, demanding justice and recovery of its properties.
A Company’s Stand for Justice
In a statement, the company posed a critical question:
“If Barr. Okoi is innocent as he claims, why is he running from police arrest? Why impersonate the Commissioner of Police instead of honoring lawful invitations?”
Afriq Group insists the matter transcends one individual. It is about corporate integrity and the rule of law.
From respected lawyer to fugitive, the case of Barrister Okoi Obeten Okoi underscores how greed and betrayal can dismantle trust. Trusted, empowered, and well-compensated, he now faces allegations of fraud, deceit, and impersonation.
Afriq Group’s message remains resolute:
“We want our land back. We want justice. Barr. Okoi has betrayed trust, broken the law, and must face the consequences.”
