LarryBravo Nwaiwu

The Enugu State Government has asserted its ownership of a disputed plot of land located at Cadastal Zone B03, Wuye District, Abuja, saying the disputant, Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited, had no valid claim or interest in the said property.

The government accused Simonis of a failed attempt to fraudulently acquire Plot 804 in the said Wuye District measuring about 1.04 hectres through fraudulent transfer of ownership, insisting that the property had not changed ownership since it was first allocated to Enugu State.

It explained that investigations by both the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had since established the Enugu State Government as the rightful owners of the said property.

The assertions were made by the General Manager (GM), Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, Dr. Gerald Asogwa, at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, during which he also exhibited all the documents claimed.

According to Asogwa, the initial (first) application for a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory was made by the Enugu State Government during the administration of Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in 1992, a request that was granted on January 14, 1993.

The government, however, explained that “the allocation was erroneously issued in the name of Enugu State Property Development Corporation, instead of Enugu State Government or Enugu State Housing Development Corporation.” It, therefore, wondered how a non-legal personality could have been transferred to Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited.

“There has never existed any parastatal, corporation, or company known as Enugu State Property Development Corporation at the time of allocation or thereafter. The named allottee therefore lacked legal personality and contractual capacity ab initio.

“Yet in 2002, the said non-existent entity purportedly transferred the land to Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited using a fake and fraudulent Irrevocable Power of Attorney dated 25/02/2002, suspiciously witnessed in 2005.

“But the said Power of Attorney was not sealed, had no Governor’s consent as required by law, was not co-signed by any government official, and

failed to disclose the name or designation of any lawful executor. The document was clearly concocted to deceive authorities and is attached as Exhibit 3,” Asogwa declared.

He explained that upon discovery of the said anomaly, the Enugu State Government applied to the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS)/FCT Authorities for correction, following which “the wrongful allocation was cancelled, and Plot 804, Wuye, was re-allocated to Enugu State Government as the rightful owner.

“The Right of Occupancy, Certificate of Occupancy, and all requisite building approvals were subsequently obtained in the name of Enugu State Government, and development commenced before the unlawful destruction carried out by agents of Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited,” he stated.

Asogwa, however, said that the police’ were unable to prosecute those behind the faking of the Power of Attorney, “as the purported directors were discovered to be ghost identities and frustrating prosecution,” noting that the addresses were equally nonexistent.

He also faulted the attempt by Simonis to dress its directors in the images Senator Ayogu Eze’s family members, more so as the late senator had averred that the land belonged to Enugu State Government.

“In 2015, the EFCC Abuja investigated the matter. The late Senator Ayogu Eze was identified as the person who received the Certificate of Occupancy on behalf of Enugu State Government. He categorically stated that the land belonged to Enugu State Government and that he never claimed ownership,” he stated.

On the court order paraded by Simonis Limited, Asogwa stated that “at no time was any court order served on, submitted to, or delivered to Enugu State Government, Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, or any person, authority, or entity representing Enugu State Government.”

The government accused Simonis of abuse of court process, wondering why a court order purportedly obtained in 2016 only surfaced in 2025 after the demise of Senator Eze.

“In November 2025, Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited resurfaced and filed an action at the Gwagwalada High Court seeking to enforce a 2016 order.

“The original 2016 order contained only one paragraph, yet the enforcement application fraudulently expanded it to two paragraphs, introducing reliefs that never existed.

“This constitutes a clear abuse of court process and fraud. The resurrection of the suit followed the death of Senator Ayogu Eze.

“Corporate records of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) show that ghost directors were replaced with family members of the deceased. The status report is attached as Exhibit 9,” it explained.

Enugu State Government insisted that the said court order was “fundamentally defective.”

“The alleged order is fundamentally defective because: no court process was served on Enugu State Government or its agencies, the State became aware of the matter only days after judgment, enforcement was attempted through self-help without court bailiffs, no pre-action notice was served, the 2016 order relied upon was not certified as required by the Evidence Act (Exhibit 11), the proof of service relied upon was false and forged (Exhibit 12). Indeed, the order was obtained by fraud and is liable to be set aside,” the GM declared.

It accused Simonis and its partner, Zoe New Dawn, and one Stephen Achama. of criminal conduct and public deception, including attack on Enugu State’s site workers, destruction of property as well as fraudulent marketing of the said property as though it belonged to them.

The government asserted that the land was currently being developed as Woodlands Estate by Tout Moi Nigeria Limited under a valid and subsisting contractual arrangement for Enugu State Government, warning that anyone transacting with Simonis Limited, Zoe New Dawn, and Achama in respect of the said plot does so at his or her own risk.

Asogwa added that contrary to the claims by a representative of Simonis in the media, Enugu State Government, not Simonis Limited, carried out all the physical development of the said plot.

“These purported sales are illegal, void, and of no legal effect, as Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited has no valid interest in the land and no right whatsoever to alienate, assign, sell, transfer, or otherwise deal with the property,” he concluded.

…New excos take oath of office amidst funfair

By Winifred Bosa

The newly elected Chairperson of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) Ikeja Chapter has stated that her vision is to position the Ikeja Chapter as the most active, influential, and professionally rewarding chapter in the Institute.

She stated this during the NIMN Ikeja Chapter Executive Committee (EXCO) inauguration and End–of–the–Year Party held recently at the Business Club, Alausa, Lagos.

Inaugurated along with her into the new executive committee were Vice Chairman, Nana Milagrosa Utomi A. Biyang, General Secretary, Oyolola Rasheed Adeniyi, Assistant Secretary, Roseline Abaraonye, Treasurer, Birhiray Eric, Financial Secretary, Adekemi Olurin-Alegbeleye, Public Relations Officer, Stephen Okoh, and Welfare Secretary, Omoyele Oguntade.

According to her, “Our vision is simple but powerful: To position the Ikeja Chapter as the most active, influential, and professionally rewarding chapter in the entire Institute, and we will focus on: People — empowering our members with development, mentorship, and community, Profession — elevating marketing practice through learning, collaboration, and excellence, and Presence — strengthening our chapter’s visibility, participation, and industry engagement,” she added.

The elated Odili, who spoke excitedly to the members of the institute, said, “This year alone, we have begun to sow the seeds of growth — from participation in multi-sectoral initiatives like the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, to strengthening internal structures, to generating genuine interest from new members. And this is only the beginning.”

“As we inaugurate the new EXCO today, I ask for your support, your feedback, and your partnership. Leadership is not a solo act; it is a collective journey. Together, we will build a chapter we can be proud of — a chapter that reflects the true spirit of marketing: innovation, connection, and impact,” she added.

In furtherance of the excellent work done by her predecessors, she stated that the inauguration was a celebration of continuity, commitment, and community.

It is a moment where we honour the journey behind us, appreciate the present, and embrace the future that lies ahead for our Chapter.

First, she said, “I would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Executive Committee for their dedication and service. Every season of leadership leaves its imprint, and you have contributed to the foundation we stand on today. Thank you for your sacrifice, your passion, and the countless hours invested in this chapter.”

The new chapter chairman also extended the same felicitations to the members of the institute. “To our members — thank you. Thank you for your loyalty, your ideas, your participation, and your unwavering belief that the Ikeja Chapter can remain a vibrant centre of professional excellence. Without you, there is no chapter.”

“Tonight marks the beginning of a clear mandate: to lift the NIMN Ikeja Chapter into a new era of vibrancy, innovation, visibility, and member value. We step into this role with humility, but also with confidence — confidence rooted not in titles, but in service, teamwork, and shared purpose,” she added.

The inauguration was attended by the President of NMN, Dr. Balojoko Bola-Ajayi, former President of NIMN, Mr. Tony Agemonmen, Registrar/CE of NIMN, Mrs. Thelma Okoh, and the immediate past chairman of NIMN Ikeja Chapter, Dr. Kehinde Joda, among other distinguished fellows of the institute.