“A contractor for Enugu State’s Smart Schools Project has taken to social media, claiming victimization. The contractor in question—identified as Sijibomi Ogundele, also known as Sujimoto—
… says the project was awarded below cost… That the Governor promised him another contract… And that rising costs forced him to abandon the work. And finally, that he’s heading to the EFCC to clear his name. But what do the facts actually show?”
 Evidence & Counterfacts Narration: “On July 2, 2024,   was awarded ₦11.4 billion to build about 20 Smart Green Schools. The government says they advanced him half of that sum—₦5.7 billion—upfront to speed up delivery. Yet, a year later, joint inspections by the Ministry of Works and the security agencies found most sites abandoned, some barely above foundation level. Reports show progress of only 5 to 30 percent across the sites, despite hundreds of millions released for each one. No materials on site. No workers. Poor workmanship. And the contractor is said to have ignored invitations to explain himself. Instead of lawful requests for contract review, he walked away.”
Context & Accountability Narration: “Government records show something more troubling. According to the Government, though Sujimoto presented a bond from Jaiz Bank, he diverted all payments into a different account—making accountability difficult. This shows premeditated intent to defraud, not hardship, the Government counter claims. That’s why the State petitioned the EFCC.
Debunker fact checking team confirms that, meanwhile, other Smart School contractors working under the same economic conditions have continued to deliver while negotiating for review and variations. Many of the smart schools’ campuses, such as the three in GTC Enugu, and the ones in:
Queens, New Layout
Ndeabor, Aninri LGA
Owo Nkanu
Ugwuomu Nike
Obe, Nkanu West
Umuome, Inyi, Oji River
Ubahu-Amankanu, Nkanu East
Umachi, Igboeze North
Amechi Idodo, Nkanu East
Essodo, Igboeze North
Alor-Uno, Nsukka
Nkerefi, Nkanu East
Ajiona Ovoko, Igboeze South
Ihe Obukpa, Nsukka
Iheakpu Awka, Igboeze South
Ihe Onuiyi, Nsukka
Ibeagwa Ezema, Igboeze South
Ibeagwa Nike, Enugu East
Iheaka, Igboeze South
Ugwogo Nike, Enugu East
Ovoko Ulo, Igboeze South
are at various stages of completion.
Conclusion: Narration: “Sujimoto had a clear contract. He received advance payment of billions of Naira. Instead of going into arbitration when he had difficulties, he abandoned the sites. Therefore, the verdict is clear: Sujimoto’s claims are misleading.
Since the government is determined to launch many of the Smart Schools are by September 2025, it is taking determined actions to deliver.
We fact-checked the viral claim that Ikeja Electric was named “Worst Company of the Year 2025” and that its executives received “Worst Business People” awards. Read the verdict.
A provocative message has been spreading rapidly across WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms in Nigeria. The claim is direct: Ikeja Electric was recognized as the Worst Company of the Year 2025.
The message goes further, alleging that the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Folake Soetan, and Board Chairman, Kola Adesina, received a specific award titled Worst Business People. The supposed presenter of this award was the Nigerian Global Business Forum.
We asked a simple question: Did this actually happen?
We conducted a thorough investigation to verify this claim:
Searched for Official Announcements: We found no official press statement, event report, or award listing from the Nigerian Global Business Forum regarding a “Worst Company” award.
Reputable News Platforms: Credible Nigerian and global media outlets that cover the power sector have no record of this award. If a major national distributor had been publicly named “worst company,” it would have been widely reported.
Examined Context (Regulatory Action): While the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) did seal Ikeja Electric’s headquarters in December 2025 over compliance issues, regulatory enforcement is not the same as a global “worst company” award.
Checked Previous Recognitions: In prior years, Ikeja Electric has received industry awards for performance and gender diversity, contradicting the claim of a consistent “worst” performance.
Direct Company Response: Ikeja Electric has publicly denied the report and announced plans for a forensic investigation and possible legal action against those responsible for spreading the claim.
After examining all available evidence, one fact stands clear: There is no verifiable record that Ikeja Electric, its CEO, or its Chairman received any official “Worst Company of the Year 2025” or “Worst Business People” award.
This story circulating online is a headline without proof.
Our verdict is: Unverified. Until credible proof exists, this claim must be considered unverified misinformation.
When dramatic and provocative claims appear, especially those that damage reputations, it is crucial to pause and check. Look for official sources and independent confirmation. Absence of evidence does not prove innocence, but bold accusations require credible proof.
A viral image circulating on Facebook and other social platforms shows Nigerian footballer Akor Adams kneeling and presenting a trophy to global music star Rihanna, who appears to be wearing a Super Eagles jersey.
The post claims Rihanna travelled from the United States to support Nigeria at AFCON and was honoured with a bronze cup, becoming emotional during the presentation.
Given the public profiles involved, we examined the claim closely.
WHAT WE CHECKED
We reviewed the viral image and its visual details. We checked official AFCON protocols and awards. We reviewed the social media pages and public appearances of Akor Adams and Rihanna. We searched for coverage from credible sports and entertainment media.
WHAT WE FOUND
The image shows Akor Adams kneeling to present a trophy to Rihanna. The caption claims the act honoured Rihanna for supporting the Super Eagles at AFCON.
However, there is no record of any interaction between Akor Adams and Rihanna, either at AFCON or elsewhere.
Akor Adams did score goals during AFCON, including notable performances against Algeria and Mozambique. Rihanna, on the other hand, is a Barbadian American artist with no known public affiliation with the Super Eagles or the AFCON tournament.
We found no evidence that Rihanna attended AFCON in any capacity. There is no credible sports or entertainment coverage reporting her presence at the tournament.
Major moments involving Rihanna typically attract global media attention. This alleged event received none.
ABOUT THE “BRONZE CUP” CLAIM
AFCON does not award a bronze cup to spectators or supporters. Players receive medals, not trophies, for third place finishes. There is no official AFCON bronze trophy that matches the design shown in the viral image.
ABOUT THE IMAGE ITSELF
The image shows clear signs of digital manipulation. Lighting, facial detail, and proportions appear inconsistent with natural photography. The trophy design does not align with any official AFCON award.
Viral pages frequently use AI generated or edited images paired with emotional captions to drive engagement.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
Rihanna is not Nigerian and has never publicly claimed Nigerian nationality. There is no record of her travelling from the US to support the Super Eagles at AFCON. No credible media outlet has reported such an event.
VERDICT
The claim that Akor Adams presented an AFCON bronze trophy to Rihanna is FALSE.
The image is fabricated, and the story attached to it is fictional.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Fabricated images tied to public figures distort public understanding and erode trust in real sports achievements. Verifying viral content remains essential.