A group of Ibeju-Lekki indigenes has filed a lawsuit against the Lagos State government, seeking transparency over a $100 million payment allegedly made by billionaire Aliko Dangote for land used in his refinery project. The case, filed in the Federal High Court, claims that while Dangote stated he paid $100 million for the 7,000-acre site, the government’s records only reflect $1.4 million, leaving $98.6 million unaccounted for.
The plaintiffs, represented by the Ibeju-Lekki People’s Forum and De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, accuse the government of concealing the transaction details. They argue that Dangote’s recent statement contradicts previous claims by former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, who reportedly told local leaders the land was gifted to Dangote for development.
The lawsuit names Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state attorney-general, the accountant-general, and the permanent secretary of the lands bureau as respondents. The 48 displaced communities are demanding proof of the $100 million payment and an explanation for the missing funds, as they continue to live without basic amenities despite the presence of the industrial project on their land.
According to Yakubu Eleto, a youth leader involved in the case, the communities were initially told the land was given to Dangote freely to prevent the project from being relocated elsewhere. Now, the revelation of a substantial payment has fueled their demands for accountability. The lawsuit calls for a court order requiring the Lagos State government to disclose full details of the transaction and resolve the discrepancies.
The Lagos State government and Dangote Group have yet to respond to the allegations. This case could be a significant test of transparency and the protection of indigenous rights in Nigeria’s booming industrial regions.
