Family of late media mogul High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi The estate has blocked any transfer or sale of assets. It announced that all of his properties are under probate. They have also warned the public not to trust anyone claiming to be authorized to sell the broadcaster’s property.
The Dokpesi estate, which includes all ownership rights in the company and its subsidiaries — was announced by the family as part of a notice to the public called a Public Notice/Caveat. DAAR Investment & Holding Company Ltd. and DAAR Communications PLC are the owners of AIT, RayPower. The sale, transfer or pledge of corporate assets and private assets has been prohibited with effect 29 May 2023The date Chief Dokpesi passed away. According to the family, the freezing will continue until all probate proceedings are completed.
In the statement, the family said it had been “troublingly informed” of “people pretending to be in authority offering estate assets for sales.” It also warned that anyone, organization, or institution that attempted to buy, acquire, sell, or transfer any assets after May 29, 2023, did so at their own peril and without recourse from the estate.
Media reports, as well as internal complaints about the sale or closure of local stations and buildings associated with DAAR Communications due to apparent tensions within the governance structure at the firm have led to this announcement. Employees and insiders expressed concern over certain properties. They also mentioned the sale of local stations, such as Asokoro.
Journalists were told by family representatives that they had held “extensive” consultations with lawyers to protect the will and intend to contest any illegal disposals. This notice is a formal warning to stop further transactions with the estate before the probate procedure has been completed.
Chief Raymond Dokpesi died in a car accident on 29 May 2023 At the age of 70. AIT and RayPower became some of the most recognized private media brands in the country. In 2023, his death and burial was widely covered.
Legal experts said that the public warning by the family is a common way to inform potential buyers or third parties of the court’s supervision pending the probate. While an estate’s probate is ongoing, transactions are legally vulnerable. Prospective purchasers that proceed with the purchase without confirmation run the risk of losing their investment and facing lengthy litigation. Probate law requires that wills be validated by the court and executors/administrators are appointed before assets can be distributed.
The development poses immediate questions about governance and operations for shareholders, employees and creditors at DAAR Communications PLC. Insiders at the company told reporters that the move was made to protect shareholder value, and prevent any fraudulent attempt to sell estate assets.
Before engaging in any transactions, the Dokpesi Family urged Nigerians to check with the probate courts or the legal representatives of the Dokpesi’s family to confirm that they have authority to act on behalf of the Dokpesi estate. Family members warned that any unauthorized transactions would be challenged vigorously.
