Ilorin, Kwara State — October 25, 2025
The heirs and beneficiaries of the estate of His Royal Highness, the late Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Zulkarnaini Gambari Mohammed, have lodged a formal petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kwara Zonal Office, over an alleged unauthorized development and fraudulent dealings involving one of the family’s prime estate properties.
According to the petition dated October 22, 2025, the family accused one of the appointed estate administrators, Mr. Ahmed Bolakale Gambari, of unilaterally engaging an unidentified property developer for construction activities along Murtala Mohammed Way, Ilorin, without the consent, approval, or knowledge of the other administrators and heirs.
The petitioners — Hajia Zeinab Zulu Gambari, Mariam Segilola Gambari, Hauwa Gboyega Gambari, Bilkisu Tinuola Gambari, Aliyu Oladipupo Gambari, Rakiya Ajibola Gambari, Zeinab Ayobola Zubair, Asmau Funmilayo Buhari, and Hassia Wuraola Gambari — described the development as a breach of fiduciary duty and an act of possible fraudulent conversion and misappropriation of family property.
They stated that the late Emir’s family had earlier appointed four administrators to manage the estate in the collective interest of all beneficiaries. However, the alleged actions of Mr. Gambari were said to have violated this agreement, as he reportedly failed to provide financial disclosures, concealed the identity of the developer, and withheld information on proceeds received from the transaction.
In their petition, the heirs called on the EFCC to take immediate action by:
- Launching a full-scale investigation into the unauthorized development and related financial transactions.
- Identifying and tracing the developer and any proceeds derived from the transaction.
- Inviting all four administrators for questioning to ascertain their individual responsibilities.
- Issuing an immediate stop order on the ongoing construction or sale of the property pending investigation.
- Recovering and restoring the affected property to the lawful family estate.
The family expressed concern that the alleged fraudulent acts could tarnish the image of the Ilorin Emirate, stressing that the issue goes beyond personal interest and touches on the legacy and integrity of the late Emir.
“This matter affects not only our family’s heritage but also the honour of the late Emir and the people of Ilorin. We have full confidence in the EFCC’s ability to uphold justice,” the petitioners said in their statement.
They appealed to the EFCC to intervene swiftly to safeguard the late Emir’s legacy and prevent any further unauthorized dealings or development of the property.
Media Contacts:
- Zeinab Ayobola Zubair — +234 803 788 0574
- Asmau Funmilayo Buhari — +234 803 487 1265
- Hassia Wuraola Gambari — +234 803 560 6803
