Jim Okolo counters false claims, cites NNPC dealings as proof of contract with Oilserv
Businessman and philanthropist, Hon. Jim Okolo Chimezie, has pushed back strongly against allegations made during a recent television interview, insisting that financial records clearly establish a contractual relationship between him and Oilserv Limited in connection with the multi-billion-dollar Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project.
Okolo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Jimez Petroleum Resources Ltd and President of the Jim Mezie Foundation, said the comments made on Arise TV by the legal counsel to Sir Emeka Okwuosa, Chairman of Oilserv, were false, misleading, and deliberately aimed at discrediting his pursuit of justice.
According to him, contrary to denials, Oilserv made payments to him through its official account before disagreements arose. “One of such transfers was ₦1.5 million, and in the narration of that bank transaction, it was clearly described as ‘NNPC Business’.
This was specifically for facilitation of my movements and logistics at the NNPC. It was part of our structured agreement after I assisted him in securing a portion of the $2.8 billion AKK gas pipeline contract.
The terms were clear: I am entitled to 2 percent of the contract value. But after a few payments, he breached the agreement and turned to the DSS to intimidate me for demanding my balance,” Okolo said.
He accused Okwuosa’s legal team of attempting to distort facts in the media space while undermining Nigeria’s institutions. In particular, Okolo criticized the counsel’s justification of why Oilserv petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) rather than the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
“In that same interview, Okwuosa’s lawyer admitted that they went to the DSS instead of the police because they believed I was ‘in charge of the police’ and that the police would not act professionally.
That statement is frivolous, unprofessional, and a direct insult to the integrity of the Nigerian Police Force,” Okolo stated.
He argued that such remarks were not only reckless but also reflected the desperation of his opponents.
“It is shameful to drag the police in the mud just to justify the misuse of the DSS. This is part of the same culture of intimidation and distortion of truth that my case has come to represent,” he added.
Okolo stressed that his case is still pending before a competent court and has not been dismissed.
He described the alleged media campaign against him as a deliberate attempt to influence public opinion and weaken his position before judgment is delivered.
“The matter is still before a competent court. There has been no dismissal or judgment against me.
“These false claims are part of a deliberate strategy to undermine my case in the media space and mislead Nigerians,” he said.
Beyond his personal claims, the businessman warned against what he called the “dangerous precedent” of using state security agencies as private enforcers.
He described the practice as an assault on democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of institutions such as the NNPC and the police.
“It is unacceptable for anyone to exploit state institutions to silence a citizen legitimately seeking his due.
This case is not just about me; it is about whether Nigerians can stand for their rights without fear of intimidation by the so-called elites,” he declared.
Okolo urged Nigerians to ignore what he termed “lies and blabbing” and expressed confidence that the judiciary would uphold justice.
He also called on journalists, civil society, and the wider public to hold power to account and prevent the misuse of state resources for private vendettas.
“My evidence is clear, the bank transactions, including the ₦1.5 million clearly marked ‘NNPC Business’, confirm my role in the facilitation of the AKK pipeline deal.
This is bigger than Jim Okolo. It is about defending democracy, protecting the sanctity of contracts, and ensuring that no Nigerian is victimized for demanding what is rightfully his,” he concluded.
