A Nigerian businessman has accused oil and gas company Oilserv Ltd of breaching a contractual agreement and misusing security agencies to silence him, in a dispute tied to the country’s multi-billion-dollar Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project.
Jim Okolo Chimezie, CEO of Jimez Petroleum Resources Ltd, claimed that Oilserv, chaired by Sir Emeka Okwuosa, initially made payments to him for facilitating dealings with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). He cited a ₦1.5 million transfer labelled “NNPC Business” as evidence of a structured agreement entitling him to two percent of the contract value.
In a rebuttal to comments made by Okwuosa’s lawyer on Arise TV, Okolo said the denial of any relationship was “false and misleading”. He condemned the legal team’s justification for involving the Department of State Services (DSS) instead of the Nigerian Police Force, describing it as “an insult to the integrity of national institutions”.
Okolo said the matter remains before a court of law and accused his opponents of trying to sway public opinion through propaganda. “This case is about more than me. It is about whether Nigerians can demand what is rightfully theirs without intimidation,” he said.
He warned that allowing state institutions to be used for private vendettas sets a dangerous precedent, undermining democracy and the rule of law. “It is unacceptable for anyone to exploit security agencies to silence a citizen legitimately seeking justice,” he added.
Okolo urged journalists and civil society groups to scrutinise the case and ensure that facts are not buried under misinformation. “This is bigger than Jim Okolo,” he said. “It is about protecting contracts, defending democracy, and ensuring no Nigerian is victimised for demanding accountability.”
