An Abuja-based lawyer has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of document forgery and an unlawful takeover of a company owned by international footballer Olanrewaju Ayobami Kayode. The case involves disputed corporate filings, altered shareholding records, and control of assets reportedly valued at about ₦800 million. Investigations are ongoing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The police arrested Oyokunyi Ulo Asuquo, a legal practitioner and partner in a corporate law firm, on Monday, February 23, 2026. He is being held by the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Team following a petition filed earlier in the month.
The petition was submitted by Kayode, a striker with Esenler Erokspor Football Club, who alleged criminal conspiracy, falsification of company records, and the illegal takeover of his investment. The complaint was addressed to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Kayode told investigators that his company, DE J-S Concept Limited, was registered in 2019 with a share capital of ₦10 million. He said he owned 95 percent of the shares, while his estranged wife, Ezinne Dora Okoro, held the remaining 5 percent.
According to the petition dated February 9, 2026, the share structure was allegedly altered in 2024 without his consent. Kayode claimed his signature was forged to increase the company’s capital to ₦30 million and to reallocate most of the new shares to Okoro, giving her majority control.
He stated that he neither approved any restructuring nor transferred his controlling stake. The petition further alleged that ₦20.5 million worth of shares were assigned to Okoro to convert her minority holding into a majority position.
Kayode also informed the police that he was removed as company secretary and replaced with Asuquo, whom he said he had never met prior to the case.
The footballer alleged that the disputed filings enabled a forceful takeover of company-linked assets, including residential properties and luxury vehicles. The assets reportedly include a 2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and a 2021 GLE model, with the total value estimated at ₦800 million. Some properties were said to have been sold through a Lagos-based real estate agent.
He linked the dispute to a domestic crisis that began in 2023, alleging that key property documents and vehicles were taken without his approval. He also claimed the company name was re-registered without his authorization.
A source familiar with the investigation said Asuquo told interrogators he had no prior relationship with the footballer. He reportedly stated that he was engaged by another lawyer to handle corporate filings for a professional fee.
Police authorities have questioned the lawyer and are continuing inquiries. He has reportedly undertaken to produce the estranged wife to assist investigators.
Kayode has asked law enforcement authorities to restrict access to the company’s assets to prevent further disposals and to prosecute any individual found responsible for wrongdoing.
