University Lecturer Involved in Major Contract Racketeering Scandal

An investigation has uncovered serious allegations against Ezekiel Oluwole Ajayi, a lecturer in the Department of Business Administration, who has been implicated in a contract racketeering scheme amounting to nearly one billion Naira.

Records from Govspend reveal that since at least 2019, during former President Muhammadu Buhari‘s administration, up until the current term of President Bola Tinubu, Ajayi’s company, Igaby Lussy Nig Ltd, has received payments totaling ₦814,949,859.53 from various Nigerian government ministries and agencies.

The details of these transactions indicate payments were made for contracts awarded for educational projects, construction, and supply of materials. Notably, on February 13, 2019, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution transferred ₦16,729,237.80 to Igaby Lussy Nig Ltd for capacity building related to alternative dispute resolution.

Further highlighting the questionable financial dealings, on April 1, 2021, the Universal Basic Education Commission disbursed ₦12,334,110.70 for a construction project, followed by payments for supplying furniture and instructional materials for schools across Nigeria.

In 2023, the company saw a surge in government contracts, receiving significant payments for various undertakings, including a transfer of ₦57,546,795.30 for the supply of machines and equipment for state offices. This pattern continues through to December 2023, reflecting the company’s lucrative relationship with different government bodies.

Igaby Lussy Nig Ltd was incorporated in Ado Ekiti in 2010. However, records show that Ezekiel Oluwole Ajayi is one of the directors of this company, raising concerns about potential conflicts with the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which prohibits public officials from owning or managing companies while in full-time employment.