News
N11.45bn Enugu Smart Schools Project: Civil Society Group Indicts Sujimoto, Demands EFCC Probe
A coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella of the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development (GGSMD) has accused Mr Sijibomi Ogundele, Chief Executive of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd, of allegedly misappropriating the over ₦11.45 billion meant for the construction of 22 Smart Schools in Enugu State.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the Executive Director of GGSMD, Comrade Godwin Erheriene, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
According to him, it was suspicious and fraudulent for the contractor to present a bond from Jaiz Bank for the project, only to later receive payments through a Zenith Bank account.
The statement reads, “This conference has become necessary given recent developments in Enugu State. If left unchecked, they will not only affect hardworking indigenous contractors but also tarnish Nigeria’s image before the international community.
“The persistent fraudulent activities carried out by Sijibomi Ogundele, owner of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd, have become alarming. If the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies fail to act, more Nigerians will continue to fall victim to his sharp practices.
“For clarity, on 2 July 2024, the Enugu State Government awarded Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd a contract worth ₦11,457,930,950.52 for the construction of 22 Smart Schools (buildings only), with a six-month completion timeline. The government also paid ₦5,762,565,475.25, representing 50 per cent of the total contract sum, to fast-track the projects.
“However, rather than adhere to the terms of the contract, Sujimoto delivered substandard work using unqualified engineers. None of the sites met structural specifications, and he eventually abandoned them. All government attempts to engage him failed, leaving the Enugu State Government with no option but to petition the EFCC.
“When a joint team from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the EFCC inspected the 22 project sites in May 2025, they confirmed that minimal or no significant work had been done, one year after the contract award.
“It is troubling that, while Sujimoto presented a Jaiz Bank bond, he used Zenith Bank account 1312731196 to collect and divert funds meant for the projects. This act demonstrates a clear intent to defraud the state from the outset.
“What could be more fraudulent than presenting Jaiz Bank as a bond while secretly using Zenith Bank to collect funds from the same transaction—without the knowledge of the Enugu State Government?
“We therefore call on the EFCC to ensure that every penny collected by Sijibomi Ogundele through Sujimoto Luxury Construction Ltd is recovered in the interest of the good people of Enugu State.”
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News11 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
