The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into Engineer Emem Coffie, the 2023 Akwa Ibom State governorship candidate of the Accord Party, over allegations of defrauding a client of N245 million in a property deal in Wuye, Abuja. Coffie has reportedly ignored multiple police invitations regarding the matter.

The complaint was lodged by Benedicta Akpava, an Abuja-based client who accused Coffie, also Managing Director of Reticulated Global Engineering Ltd, of taking full payment for a luxury four-bedroom terrace duplex with a penthouse and Boys’ Quarters but failing to hand over the property.

“Sir, in 2019 I decided I was tired of spending money on rent in Abuja. Every year rent kept increasing, so I invested my savings to own a home. That’s when I met Engineer Emem Coffie,” Akpava narrated.

According to Akpava, she paid N240 million for the property plus N5 million for documentation, totaling N245 million, and even contributed design ideas during construction. However, after completion, Coffie allegedly refused handover, claiming the penthouse was his personal project and demanding extra payment.

“He began ignoring my calls and messages. When I went to the house, the security guard, acting on his orders, denied me entry,” she said.

Akpava further claimed that Coffie threatened to refund her with a 10% deduction and has continued to defy police summons. Official police documents show Coffie was invited for questioning on September 17, 2025, by the IGP Monitoring Unit, but he reportedly failed to comply.

SaharaReporters obtained an official allocation letter from Reticulated Global Engineering Ltd dated December 6, 2024, confirming Akpava’s ownership of the property at Plot 304, Palma Estate, Wuye, Abuja, signed by Coffie himself. Despite this, Akpava alleges that Coffie is attempting to resell the property.

“I need help. This is my sweat. I am a single mother. I worked hard to secure a home for my children, and one man wants to take that from me,” Akpava lamented.

Attempts to reach Coffie for comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his known numbers went unanswered.

The case has raised concerns over property fraud involving high-profile individuals and highlights the challenges citizens face in seeking justice even when official documents support their claims.