The Dokpesi Family has issued a stern warning to the public against buying properties or assets allegedly being sold by individuals claiming to have the authority of the family.
The warning comes after reports emerged of people selling off prized assets belonging to the late media mogul, High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, two years after his passing.
In a statement, the family announced that the entire estate of the late media mogul has been under probate proceedings since May 29, 2023, and all assets are frozen for sale, transfer, pledge, or loan until the lawful completion of the probate process.
“We have received troubling reports of people pretending to have authority and offering estate assets for sale. We are compelled to announce this publicly to protect unsuspecting buyers and to calm investors and the general public. No such transactions are valid without the authority of the probate court,” the family cautioned.
However, in a public notice announcement obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the family warned that anyone attempting to purchase or acquire assets purportedly from the estate does so at their own risk.
The statement titled, “Public Notice / Caveat,” partly reads, “the general public is hereby informed that the Estate of the late High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa Wanno), who passed on 29 May 2023, is undergoing probate proceedings before the competent authorities in Nigeria.
“This estate includes, by extension, his ownership interests and assets in corporate entities such as: DAAR Investment & Holding Company Ltd; DAAR Communications PLC; As well as other public and private corporations, properties, and business interests.”
It added, “Accordingly, with effect from 29 May 2023 (the date of his passing), all assets forming part of his estate are deemed frozen for the purposes of sale, transfer, pledge, or loan until the completion of probate and the lawful distribution of his estate.
“Any person, institution, or organization that has attempted, or may attempt, to purchase, acquire, transfer, or otherwise deal with any of these assets after 29 May 2023 does so entirely at their own risk and without recourse to the estate or the family.”
“This notice serves as a caveat and a warning to protect the legacy of the late founder and to prevent unlawful dealings with his assets until due legal processes are concluded,” it reads.
The announcement comes amid governance tensions at DAAR Communications PLC, the parent company of AIT and Raypower, with insiders suggesting the move is intended to safeguard shareholder value and prevent fraudulent attempts to divest the estate of its assets.
The Dokpesi Family wants Nigerians and the international community to know that the legacy of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi is not up for grabs.
Sources told SaharaReporters that staff and employees are saddened by the development, with some buildings and assets reportedly sold off.
The late Chief Dokpesi, a Nigerian media businessman and politician, was born on October 25, 1951, and died on May 29, 2023.
Meanwhile, a family member who spoke to SaharaReporters on Wednesday evening confirmed that the members had extensive consultations with their legal counsel.
“We have had extensive consultations as a family and with legal counsel. I will need to confirm what the status of things is,” the family member who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
