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Luxury real estate developer Sujimoto Construction Limited has announced plans to pursue legal action against individuals and organizations behind recent reports alleging a $556,000 fraud, describing the claims as ‘malicious, false, and misleading.’

Speaking on the issue, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, said, ‘There is no fraud. What exists is a delay, nothing more. Yet from this delay, some have chosen to fabricate lies and mislead the public. Those responsible for spreading these falsehoods will be held accountable.’

The company clarified that The LeonardoBySujimoto, its flagship high-rise project, has not been abandoned but only delayed due to regulatory processes and macroeconomic challenges.

Approvals were secured in 2024, and work is progressing toward full delivery in December 2025.

Sujimoto further explained that all clients who requested refunds have been duly attended to through a transparent and verifiable process. It also cited past successes, noting that projects such as

The Giuliano and LucreziaBySujimoto have delivered significant returns – appreciating from ?285 million to over ?2.5 billion within six years.

‘Despite rising costs of cement, steel, and shipping, we have refused to compromise on quality,’ Dr. Ogundele added. ‘Our integrity remains unshaken.’

The company also condemned the alleged misuse of public institutions to settle private contractual issues, describing it as ‘a dangerous precedent that undermines business confidence in Nigeria.’

Over the past decade, Sujimoto said it has paid more than ?7 billion in wages, empowered thousands of artisans, and contributed to Nigeria’s architectural landscape through its iconic projects.

The firm reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, excellence, and integrity in all its operations.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have continued to record significant breakthroughs against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other splinter groups in the North East.

In a recent operation in the region, the 21 Special Armoured Brigade eliminated several terrorists during a firefight in the Kashimiri general area in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, who announced this in a statement on Monday, added that the operation was conducted on October 17.

Anele explained that the troops had successfully located and destroyed identified Boko Haram camps in the area, thereby frustrating the terrorists’ plans to attack civilians and disrupt their socio-economic activities.

She said: ‘During the operation, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun fight and neutralized several, while others suffered injuries.

‘However, the encounter took its toll on our side, as the Commanding Officer, 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other valiant soldiers paid the supreme price, as they fell in battle.

‘These brave heroes fought for the peace of our great nation, and their legacies shall endure forever.’

Anele said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed.

‘They were not just soldiers but fathers, brothers, and sons who expressed immeasurable courage by taking the last stand in the face of adversity, and we stand together in this time of grief,’ she quoted the COAS as saying.

‘The Chief of Army Staff also reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to pursue all terrorist elements relentlessly until total peace and normalcy are restored in the region and the nation by extension.’

The army spokesperson urged the public, in the spirit of respect and compassion, to refrain from sharing or publishing images of personnel who have paid the supreme price during operations, generally, until their next of kin have been duly informed.

‘This is to preserve the dignity of such fallen heroes and protect the privacy of their families,’ Anele said.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has called on legal authorities to sanction Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for what he described as ‘unethical conduct’ during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, said he was surprised to see Ejimakor among protesters led by publisher of Sahara Reporters and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.

‘I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore. I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest,’ Onanuga wrote.

The presidential aide argued that as a legal practitioner, Ejimakor should be mindful of the principle of sub judice, particularly as Kanu’s ongoing treason trial is still before the court.

‘The prosecution has concluded its case, and it is now incumbent upon Mr. Ejimakor and the other lawyers to mount a strong defence for Kanu,’ Onanuga said, adding that rather than focusing on legal strategy, the lawyer had ‘resorted to extra-legal tactics’ by joining ‘a career anarchist to influence the process.’

The Presidential spokesman described the protest as ‘shambolic’ and said Ejimakor’s action ‘questions his adherence to professional ethics,’ urging the relevant legal bodies to ‘consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer.’

The #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration, organised by Mr. Sowore, disrupted movement around major parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday as protesters demanded the release of the IPOB leader, whose trial for alleged treasonable felony is ongoing before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude ongoing negotiations with unions across the nation’s tertiary institutions.

The labour body also criticised the government’s no-work-no-pay policy imposed on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as punishment for embarking on a nationwide strike.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known during an interactive session with labour correspondents on Monday in Abuja.

The session came after a meeting between the NLC and leaders of tertiary institutions-based unions at the Congress headquarters.

‘We have decided to give the federal government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. They have started talks with ASUU but the problem in this sector goes beyond ASUU.

‘That is why we are extending this to four weeks. If after four weeks this negotiation is not concluded, the organs of the NEC will meet and take a nationwide action that all workers in the country, all unions in the country will be involved so that we get to the root of all this.

‘The era of signing agreements, negotiations and threatening the unions involved, that era has come to an end. ‘The policy, the so-called policy of no work, no pay, will henceforth be no pay, no work. You can’t benefit from an action you instigated. We have discovered that most, 90% of strike actions in this country are caused by failure to obey agreements,’ Ajaero said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate provision of a new, state-of-the-art auditorium for the Nigerian Law School, to further enhance legal education infrastructure.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of a 600-bed student hostels at the Abuja campus of the Institution, in Bwari.

Wike explained that the President’s directive followed an observation that the anticipated increase in student intake occasioned by the building of the new hostel necessitated a review of the existing lecture facilities, stressing that the intervention demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s legal education infrastructure.

He said: ‘I was discussing with my son who by the grace of God was called to Bar in the last Call to Bar Ceremony .I said now that we are providing hostels that will take almost 600 students, does it mean that they will now admit more students. He expressed doubt about whether the auditorium will accommodate everybody, which means they require another auditorium.

‘Luckily for us, I was privileged to meet Mr. President last night and I tabled this to him. He said, go back and make sure another auditorium is built for the Nigerian Law School’.

The Minister praised Tinubu’s decisive leadership, noting that his administration has intervened directly in the institution more than any government since the campus opened in 1997.

He also extended commendation to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN for his relentless support and commitment to the justice sector, saying; ‘All we are doing in the justice sector today is because of his support’.

He cited the ongoing digitisation of the FCT High Court as another collaborative success story that has received Presidential backing and budgetary approval.

Wike further praised the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School for his selfless leadership, especially for prioritizing the infrastructural needs of other campuses, such as the completed hostel and auditorium project at the Yenagoa Law School campus, stressing that history will be kind to him.

Speaking on the 600-bed hostel accommodation, the minister noted that it is the second major intervention at the Law School within two years of the current tenure of President Tinubu.

Wike recalled that following the earlier flag-off of staff-quarters at the Nigerian Law School, a promise was made through the Attorney General of the Federation to provide the hostel accommodation.

He said: ‘Today, we are here to fulfill that promise that Mr. President made’, noting that the new 600-bed capacity hostel will significantly alleviate the accommodation challenges faced by students.

The Minister confirmed that the construction, awarded to a trusted contractor, will not exceed the 12-month timeline.

While flagging off the project, the Attorney General of the Federation, who was visibly elated, thanked the FCT Minister for his consistent support to the Nigerian Law School.

He praised the Minister’s decisive nature, saying, ‘One thing I know is that you don’t promise what you will not do. Take it or leave it, love him or hate him, you will know where he stands on any issue,’ he said, and likened the Minister to a Computer Based Test (CBT) which results are instantaneous.

The AGF also acknowledged the Minister’s extensive history of intervention in the justice sector, even before his ministerial appointment, including feats in Yenagoa and Port Harcourt.

He confirmed the judicious use of previous donations, which include four Hilux vans and three Coaster buses, in addition to the flag-off of staff quarters, and now, the 600-bed student hostel.

While noting that many people have come and talked without walking their talk, Chief Fagbemi further extended profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his numerous supports through the FCT Minister.

and thanked President Tinubu for approving the project.

He also extended appreciation to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation for his support, while also acknowledging the significant contributions of the FCT Minister to the development of judiciary infrastructure, describing him as ‘our great benefactor’.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) has condemned the invasion of the frontage of its headquarters by no fewer than 50 protesters in Abuja on Monday.

The Corps Spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, said the management of the NSCDC took exceptions to the actions of the protesters despite warnings that the promoters of the protests should stay away from its facilities and other critical national assets and infrastructures.

Babawale said in a statement the actions of the protesters were totally unacceptable and condemnable as the protesters invaded the entrance of the Corps National Headquarters chanting different songs.

He noted that the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, had earlier sent warnings across the Corps Commands and Formation on the need for caution regarding those who have marked October 20 as a protest day in support of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Audi, he said, had ordered enhanced security measures to be put in place regarding the safety of citizens and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in their respective domains.

‘Our respective Formations and Commands have been alerted on the need to upscale security in the protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure in order to avert form of vandalism by hoodlums and unscrupulous elements who could hijack the protest.

‘Intelligence operatives and personnel were also deployed across the States and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja to ensure the security of lives and property as it was reasoned that some defiants might turn out for the protests, ‘ Babawale said.

While the Corps maintained its stance on performance of its constitutional role, it said it would not succumb to any form of threats, disruption of peace, vandalism of government utilities, and activities of economic saboteurs.

‘The Corps reaffirm that as much as the civil populace reserves the right to meaningful gathering and freedom of association; the need to exercise caution and restraint is fundamental especially where court bars any reasonable citizen from such gathering,’ Babawale said.

Following the announcement of his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), speculations have intensified over the next political move of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, with strong indications that he and his supporters may soon join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting to the development, the Executive Director of Social and Human Capital Development at the South South Development Commission and a founding chieftain of the APC in Bayelsa State, Preye Aganaba, expressed delight at the readiness of the party to welcome the governor into its fold.

Speaking during an interview on Rhythm 94.7 FM in Yenagoa, the state capital, Aganaba said Diri’s reported decision to align with the ruling party was not surprising.

‘The kind of impactful leadership and bold reforms led by President Bola Tinubu have unlocked enormous resources for governors to carry out development in their various states. It is only natural for those who are people-oriented to align with the President,’ he said.

Aganaba added that the formal reception of Governor Diri would be handled by the national leadership of the party, noting that the state chapter would follow their direction.

On the development front, the Odi-born politician expressed optimism that greater unity among political leaders would attract more infrastructural projects to Bayelsa State.

Responding to rumours that former President Goodluck Jonathan may contest the 2027 elections, Aganaba cast doubt on such reports, describing Jonathan as a respected statesman now more focused on mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Transcorp Hotels Plc (‘Transcorp Hotels’ or ‘the Company’) (NGX: TRANSCOHOT), the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (‘Transcorp Group’), has announced its unaudited results for the 3rd quarter ended September 30, 2025, recording outstanding performance across key metrics.

The Company delivered ?72.31 billion in revenue, a 49% increase from ?48.49 billion in Q3 2024, while Profit Before Tax (PBT) surged 36% to ?22.4 billion.

This strong performance reflects Transcorp Hotels’ sustained focus on operational excellence, cost efficiency and customer-centric innovation, reinforcing its leadership in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.

The recently commissioned 5,000-seat Transcorp Centre is fast positioning Nigeria as Africa’s hub for world-class Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

Chairman, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Emmanuel Nnorom, said: ‘This impressive Q3 performance underscores our time-tested strategy focused on cost discipline, operational efficiency, and putting the customer at the heart of everything we do. We remain committed to delivering sustainable profitability and long-term value for our investors.’

Managing Director/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Uzo Oshogwe, added: ‘Our Q3 2025 results reflect our unwavering drive for excellence and our commitment to redefining hospitality in Africa.

‘With the success of our newly commissioned 5,000-seat event centre, we are proud to be positioning Nigeria as the preferred destination for global conferences and events, while scaling sustainable value for our shareholders.’

With its iconic hospitality assets and dedicated team, Transcorp Hotels continues to strengthen its leadership in the sector, setting new standards for growth, innovation, and service excellence in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors. Transcorp Hotels is redefining hospitality standards in Africa through its businesses, including the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and digital platform, Aura by Transcorp Hotels.

Tony Akowe, AbujaThe People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the allegation of forgery levelled against it by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The party expressed surprise about the allegation of the National Secretary over 50 days after the letters were signed and delivered to the Independent National Electoral Commission, insisting that Anyanwu actually endorsed the convention and letters he is disowning.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, who addressed journalists on Monday at the party Secretariat, said the letter to the electoral umpire was one of the four letters written and signed on the same day inside the office of the National Chairman and in the presence of PDP Governors, some national leaders and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

He explained in addition to signing the letter, Senator Anyanw was appointed Secretary of the Contact and Mobilisation subcommittee headed by Bayelsa Governor, Douye Siri and actually prepared a budget for the inaugural meeting and submitted same to the Committee Chairman.

Ologunagba displayed several letters and correspondences signed by Senator Anyanwu in preparation for the convention, including a letter on the composition of the National Convention Organising Committee and sub committees.

He said: ‘Now, fast forward the 102nd NEC meeting, which held on the 25th of August, 2025. The Chairman and the National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu, wrote letters. That meeting of the 25th of August was preceded by a meeting of Governors, NWC members, leaders of the party, inside this building, inside the office of the National Chairman and every member of the NWC were present.

‘Others at the meeting are Umaru Fintiri, the Governor of Adamawa State and Senator Bala Muhammad, the Governor of Bauchi state. They were there at the meeting before the NEC meeting, inside the office of the Chairman and Senator Anyanwu was present, the Legal Adviser was present, the National Organising Secretary was present.

‘The Governor of Osun state, Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, the governor of Zamfara state, Dauda Lawal, former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, former Minister for Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Taraki (SAN), former Niger state governor Babangida Aliu and all National Working Committee members were present.

‘At that meeting, four letters were were written and signed in their presence inside the office of the National Chairman and these are the letters, I will identify them.

‘The letter to INEC, signed by Senator Anyanwu and the Chairman. The 101 NEC meeting directed them to issue a letter of notice, conveying time, date, venue, and agenda of the national convention at Ibadan. This letter was written for the elective convention, the date, and of course the venue, which was signed by him.

‘Another letter that was signed that day, by him and the chairman, was the composition of the elective national convention committee membership. The third letter that was signed at that same meeting, at the same time, before the same gentleman, was notice of repeat Southeast 2025 Zonal Congresses of People’s Democratic Party. That letter was signed by him and the chairman.

‘The last letter was notice of repeat congresses in Anambra and Ebony State. So these four letters were signed at the same time, at the same venue, before these gentleman.

‘One of the subcommittees, the contact and mobilization committee, as proposed and approved by NEC was chaired by Bayelsa state Duoye Diri, with Senator Aba Moro, Senate minority leader as Deputy while the Secretary is Senator Samuel Anyanwu the National Secretary.

‘He went ahead and started work as subcommittee secretary of the Contact and Mobilization Committee of the convention, He participated in the process of setting up the convention and sub committees.

‘Now, to show that he started working on that, there was a budget that was presented by him. The budget was sent to the Chairman of the Contact and Mobilization Committee.

‘He had a budget prepared by him, under his signature and it says: ‘this is to formally present to his excellency, the proposed budget for contact and mobilization subcommittee’s inaugural meeting for your consideration and approvals towards the national convention. Here is his budget(displaying a document).

‘Now, in foregrounds of that position, he wrote letters to members of the subcommittee. These are his letters (displaying more documents). Now, one of these people he wrote letters to is one Honorable Arthur, who is his personal staff. He’s a member of that committee. He sent a letter to him which was duly acknowledged by that staff of his’.

Displaying more letters, Olugunagba said: ‘These are letters signed by him, of the membership of the contact and mobilization subcommittee of the national convention organizing committee. These are the documents. And that’s why I said to you, you can have alternative propaganda, but you don’t have alternative facts.

‘So, these are the facts as they are today. Curiously, today is 20th of October, right? Nine or 10 days shy of 60 days. And you suddenly woke up and say, oh, that was forged. When this acknowledgement came, the party received the acknowledgement.

‘The NWC is aware of this acknowledgement. So at what point does that become a forged document? 50 odd days after the letter was signed? I mean, you can understand this. This is why we said some of these needs to be interrogated.’

Speaking further, he said: ‘What is important under the criminal law is that there are personal consequences for people when they deliberately misinform security agencies to go on a wide good chase by spurious and sometimes, if I will say that, irresponsible reporting that are not correct. But again, we leave that within them to investigate and we welcome the investigation.

‘So, he who alleges must prove. But you look at the jigsaw, look at the puzzle, four letters were signed at the same time. And then, more than almost two months ago, and one of them suddenly became forged.

‘Beyond this, there is a calculated attempt to derail the party and ensure that the convention is not in place. But again, this is falling flat on the face because it’s untrue. At best, it’s a lie.

‘It is criminal to make false allegations before security officials and security agencies. I would think they should take it up and our party would be interested in having to get to the end of this matter because forgery is a very serious allegation and if anybody who is involved in it or who is behind stories that are not true with regards to that, they should have their day with the security agencies.’

Ebonyi State Government said it has employed 1,936 new teachers for primary and secondary schools.

Special Assistant to Ebonyi Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa stated this in a statement on Monday.

He said the recruitment is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration’s comprehensive strategy to enhance the quality of education and address the long-standing shortage of teaching staff in public schools.

According to him, the employment comprises 1,000 teachers for senior secondary schools and 936 teachers under the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) to serve in primary and junior secondary schools.

Oketa described the move as a major step towards implementing the Governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda, which prioritizes education and human capital development.

Oketa quoted Mrs. Lilian Nwankwo, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Secondary Education Board as stating that the newly recruited teachers have already been posted to their respective schools.

She added that monitoring and inspection exercises would soon commence to ensure effective service delivery and accountability.

‘Recruitment alone is not enough.We must ensure that these teachers are present, dedicated, and delivering quality education to our children,’ Nwankwo said

Oketa, who said the initiative underscores Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to repositioning the education system, described the move as a visionary step toward lasting educational reform.

According to him, the decision will yield immediate and long-term benefits for the state.

He listed the short-term goal to include

smaller class Sizes, reduction of over crowded classe, personalized attention to students employment boost, economic stimulation, and improved morale of teachers.

Oketa noted the long term goals of the move include: Human Capital Development, Sustainable Growth and investment attraction

He emphasised that Governor Nwifuru’s approach reflects a shift from quick fixes to structural and sustainable reforms.

He noted that the Governor’s emphasis on ‘training and retraining of teachers’ ensures the workforce remains globally competitive.

‘Governor Nwifuru’s action demonstrates focus, accountability, and a genuine concern for the future of Ebonyi youths.

‘He is not just improving today’s classrooms; he is building the foundation for the state’s long-term prosperity,’ Oketa noted.