The Boulos family and SCOA Nigeria Plc have threatened legal action over viral social media videos alleging their involvement in financial impropriety linked to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal road project.
In a cease-and-desist notice issued by a legal team led by Kemi Pinheiro, the parties described the allegations as “malicious, scandalous and highly defamatory,” demanding the immediate withdrawal of the content from all platforms.
The legal representatives specifically faulted claims that the Boulos family and SCOA Nigeria Plc benefitted from Federal Government budget allocations tied to the coastal road project, insisting that the assertions are entirely false.
According to the notice: “The allegations are unfounded, baseless, and a figment of the author’s imagination,” stressing that at no time did the clients receive or appropriate funds from the Federal Government or any entity in connection with the project.
The lawyers said the publications have caused “serious harm” to the reputation and business standing of the family and the company, expressing concern over the rapid spread of the videos across social media.
They further warned bloggers, individuals, and media platforms against continued circulation of the content, describing it as misleading and injurious to the longstanding commercial reputation of their clients.
The notice demanded the immediate removal of all related materials, including videos, posts, and derivative content, cautioning that failure to comply would result in legal proceedings without further notice.
It added that the clients are prepared to pursue defamation claims and seek substantial damages for reputational harm and emotional distress.
The legal team also indicated the possibility of criminal complaints under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, noting that the actions in question may constitute offences such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital defamation.
The development comes amid increased public scrutiny of major federal infrastructure projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, which has continued to generate widespread debate.
The notice concluded by reserving all legal rights of the clients, stating that the action was taken without prejudice to further remedies available under Nigerian law.