Sujimoto Construction Limited has denied liability over a disputed ₦24 million claim, stating that the matter is currently before a court for determination and remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings.

The real estate firm clarified that the authority of an administrator appointed through an ex-parte court order has been suspended, pending the outcome of motions filed before the court. According to the company, the suspension takes effect until the court delivers a final ruling on the matter.

In a statement issued on Monday, Sujimoto said it had followed due legal process by depositing a bank draft for the disputed sum under protest, stressing that the move does not constitute an admission of liability.

The company disclosed that it has formally challenged the ex-parte order granted on November 14, 2025, noting that the representations made to the court at the time did not accurately reflect its current financial and operational status.

Sujimoto explained that evidence presented before the court shows the company remains financially stable and actively engaged in business operations. It stated that over the past 12 months, it has made payments running into billions of naira to creditors, including banks, private investors, and government agencies.

According to the firm, these payments include a voluntary repayment of ₦1.28 billion to the Enugu State Government on a contract that is still under dispute, underscoring what it described as its commitment to lawful and structured debt resolution.

The company further revealed that it holds assets valued at more than ₦90 billion, while its liabilities represent less than 10 per cent of its total asset base. Sujimoto added that its financial standing is reinforced by a Triple BBB+ Investment Grade rating for 2024–2025 issued by DataPro.

Reaffirming its commitment to corporate governance and transparency, Sujimoto said it remains open to constructive engagement with creditors and has consistently met its obligations through recognised legal channels.

The firm also highlighted its workforce strength, noting that it currently employs over 745 professionals and has paid more than ₦7 billion in wages over the past 12 years.

Commenting on the development, the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, Dr Sijibomi Ogundele, said the company would continue to operate strictly within the confines of the law while prioritising project delivery and staff welfare.

“Sujimoto remains committed to integrity, accountability, and excellence. We will continue to operate transparently and ensure that all obligations are addressed in line with the law,” Ogundele said.

The company reiterated that it will pursue its legal position through the courts while maintaining operations and delivering real estate projects across Nigeria.

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The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has urged that ongoing legal disputes surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project and WinHomes Estate should not be misinterpreted as government hostility toward investors, particularly those from the Nigerian diaspora.

Speaking during a live interview on Arise News on Tuesday, the minister clarified that while litigation involving property demolitions along the highway corridor exists, it does not obstruct the implementation of key national infrastructure initiatives.

“There were and are still cases in court. The first involved 39 property owners whose structures were affected. They were evaluated and compensated, even for informal settlements,” Umahi said. “The president directed us to pay because he wants to alleviate their problems.”

The minister expressed concern that certain media narratives surrounding the disputes could distort public perception and discourage credible foreign investment, especially from Nigerians living abroad.

“When people invoke the diaspora angle in a negative light, it creates unnecessary fear among genuine investors,” Umahi noted. “This government is very friendly with Nigerians in the diaspora, and we will not allow anyone to damage that relationship or the administration’s reputation.”

Umahi also revealed that some diaspora investors who are resident in Nigeria have reached out to seek further clarification on the project’s scope and progress. “They’ve sent letters and want to come to the office. I am more than willing to meet with them and clear any doubts,” he said.

Despite the legal friction, Umahi maintained that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway remains on schedule and is advancing through multiple phases. “The coastal highway is progressing very well. We are now in session two, and we’ve opened session three and three B, about 65 kilometers in Calabar,” he stated.

The controversy surrounding WinHomes Estate intensified after the company’s diaspora investors raised concerns over demolitions tied to the highway’s alignment. Earlier, Umahi had told reporters that only about four hectares of the estate’s land were impacted by the government’s development plans.

However, the Chief Executive Officer of WinHomes Global Services Ltd., Stella Okengwu, contested the minister’s remarks, insisting that the estate’s total investment exceeds $250 million. She also stressed the importance of upholding legal processes in the dispute.

In response, Umahi questioned the accuracy of the figures being cited. “If truly $250 million was invested, where is the proof? Who paid the money, and through which bank? Nigerians deserve to know,” he said.

The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency and to fostering a secure investment climate. He assured stakeholders that the government remains open to dialogue and that legitimate investor concerns will be addressed within the framework of the law.

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