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Sujimoto Construction Limited has denied owing a disputed ₦24 million allegedly used to secure an ex-parte court order aimed at placing the company under administration, describing the move as a calculated attempt to mislead the judiciary and sabotage a thriving enterprise.
The luxury real estate firm, in a statement issued on Thursday, accused a group of lawyers and individuals of circulating false and misleading claims to procure the order, which it said was obtained through misrepresentation of facts relating to its financial health.
According to the company, the ex-parte order was granted on November 14, 2025, on the claim that Sujimoto was financially distressed and unable to meet its obligations. Sujimoto, however, said the allegation was false and misleading, insisting it remains financially solvent and operationally strong.
The firm disclosed that it had taken immediate legal steps to challenge the order and prevent what it described as an abuse of judicial process. It said that by virtue of motions and processes already filed, the purported powers of the administrator appointed under the ex-parte order have been suspended, pending the determination of the court.
“Sujimoto owes no such amount,” the company stated, adding that the ex-parte order was obtained as a pressure tactic. It clarified that without conceding any liability and strictly to prevent further abuse of process, it deposited a bank draft of the disputed ₦24 million with the court under protest, pending judicial determination of the matter.
The company further alleged that those behind the action deliberately withheld material facts from the court, including evidence of its financial capacity and recent settlements of obligations. It said it had since presented the court with documentation showing billions of naira in payments made to creditors within the last 12 months.
Sujimoto disclosed that it paid over ₦10 billion to banks, private investors and government agencies during the period. It also cited the voluntary repayment of ₦1.28 billion to the Enugu State Government over a disputed contract currently before the court as evidence of its commitment to meeting obligations through due process.
On its financial standing, the company said recent asset valuations placed its assets at over ₦90 billion, with liabilities representing less than 10 per cent of its total assets. It also referenced its 2024–2025 Triple BBB+ investment-grade rating by DataPro, which it said confirmed the strength of its balance sheet.
Sujimoto criticised what it described as a growing trend of using administration proceedings as a tool for extortion, alleging that some lawyers obtain ex-parte orders appointing administrators, move to change bank signatories, and then concede disputed claims without the knowledge or participation of company management.
It maintained that Nigerian law does not empower courts to appoint administrators over companies through ex-parte orders without hearing from the affected company.
The firm said a formal petition had been initiated against all lawyers and individuals involved in the matter, vowing to pursue the case to its full legal conclusion.
Founded 12 years ago, Sujimoto said it employs over 745 professionals and has paid more than ₦7 billion in wages over the years. The company added that it would continue to engage directly with its creditors transparently and would take firm legal action against what it described as false publications and misinformation.
Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, said the company would “vigorously defend its people, partners and investments” and would not allow what he termed manufactured claims to undermine its operations or reputation.
