A simmering dispute between a Nigerian travel agency, Ruvieh Consult and Travel, and the management of Purple Mall in Lekki, Lagos, has escalated into allegations of corporate intimidation, economic suppression, and unlawful eviction, raising fresh concerns about the treatment of indigenous businesses in Nigeria’s commercial spaces.
The controversy, which also implicates global outsourcing firm VFS Global, centres on claims that the foreign company influenced the mall’s management to rescind a legally executed lease agreement and forcibly shut down Ruvieh’s operations after the firm had already paid over N62 million for a one-year tenancy.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, the Chief Executive Officer of Ruvieh Consult and Travel, Ivie Aruviereh Eyube, described the ordeal as corporate cannibalism and modern-day economic imperialism targeted at silencing a growing Nigerian enterprise.
“These actions amount to modern-day economic imperialism, an egregious disservice to Nigeria’s sovereignty and entrepreneurial spirit,” Eyube said.
“They inhibit freedom of choice, suppress local innovation, and position Nigeria’s travel and tour industry as the exclusive playground of foreign interests.”
How The Dispute Began
Eyube explained that her company, a Nigerian agency specialising in innovative business and technological tour packages, had strategically operated around VFS Global offices for years, offering ancillary visa support services to clients.
According to her, trouble began earlier in 2026 when she sought a new office space following reports that VFS Global was relocating operations to Purple Mall in Lekki Phase 1.
“I approached the mall in January 2026 for a space because my business has always been situated around VFS Global offices,” she said. “When I heard they were moving, I went there and made it clear what I do.”
She said the mall management offered her a 77-square-metre retail unit at a rate of $45 per square metre, bringing the annual rent to approximately N54 million, excluding additional charges.
“I negotiated, but they insisted the space was suitable for my operations despite the cost. I had to borrow money and gather resources to meet up. In total, including legal fees of $2,000, caution fees and agency charges, I paid over N62 million,” Eyube explained.
She completed payment on February 19, 2026, and was granted possession of the space on February 23.
An email from Purple Mall, obtained by SaharaReporters, confirms receipt of N62,258,600 from Ruvieh.
I Built The Office From Scratch
Eyube said the property handed over to her was in a raw, unfinished state, requiring significant investment to make it operational.
“When I got there, it was just a carcass; no tiles, no ceiling, debris everywhere. I had to do everything myself, from electrical wiring to finishing,” she said.
She added that after negotiations, the mall management agreed that her rent would commence officially from April 1, allowing her time to complete the interior work.
During the renovation phase, Eyube said she received verbal approval from the mall to begin attending to customers.
“They told me to start operations while completing the fit-out because people were already asking for my services,” she noted.
The situation reportedly changed when officials linked to VFS Global noticed Ruvieh’s presence in the mall.
“Once they saw my banner and realised a travel agency was operating there, they started coming into my office, taking pictures, and asking questions,” Eyube recounted.
She said representatives of the company repeatedly questioned her business model and whether it competed directly with their operations.
“I explained clearly: VFS Global collects biometric data and processes applications for embassies, while I provide ancillary services like form filling, document preparation, and guidance. Clients still go through VFS and pay their charges,” she said.
Despite this clarification, Eyube alleged that VFS Global continued to mount pressure on the mall management.
“They would come and stand in front of my office with foreign staff, watching and intimidating us. It became harassment,” she alleged.
Customers Allegedly Driven Away
Eyube further alleged that the mall management, under pressure, began restricting her operations.
“At some point, they stopped me from trading and even chased my customers out, saying I should finish my fit-out first,” she said.
After completing the renovation and receiving approval to resume business, Eyube said she believed the issue had been resolved, until she received a shocking notice.
Lease Abruptly Terminated
On March 26, she said she received a letter dated March 25 from the mall management, informing her that her lease agreement had been rescinded.
“The reason they gave was that I was in competition with an existing tenant, VFS Global,” she said.
Eyube said she immediately gathered evidence from VFS Global’s official website to demonstrate that their services were distinct.
“I sent everything to the leasing manager, but she insisted on the termination,” she added.
Locked Out Without Court Order
The situation took a dramatic turn on March 31 when Eyube alleged that the mall management forcibly locked her out of the premises.
“They came and locked my shop with chains before my rent even officially started. Till today, I have not been able to operate,” she said.
Following the incident, Eyube reported the matter to the Maroko Police Station in Lagos on the advice of her lawyer.
However, she expressed frustration with the police response.
“They told me there was little they could do because my rent had not started running. That made no sense because I had already paid in full and taken possession,” she said.
Allegations Of Preferential Treatment
Eyube further claimed that during police mediation, the initial claim of competition was abandoned by the mall management, who allegedly introduced new reasons for their actions.
“They started saying I brought marketers into the mall and violated policies, but these were issues they had already addressed earlier,” she said.
VIDEO: How Indian Firm VFS Global, Lagos’ Purple Mall Forced Out Nigerian Firm After Paying N62Million Rent Over Alleged Competition pic.twitter.com/hPrpwy2gqA
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) April 27, 2026
She also alleged that she later learned that VFS Global may have offered a higher rental amount for the same space.
“That’s when it became clear to me, this was about money and monopoly. A foreign company trying to take over a space already leased to a Nigerian business,” she said.
Legal Battle Intensifies
In response, Ruvieh Consult and Travel, through its counsel, Sikiru Adewoye of Lateef O. Figbemi & Co., petitioned the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, accusing the mall management of criminal trespass.
In the petition, the lawyers stated that their client’s lease agreement, executed on February 12, 2026, remained valid and binding.
They alleged that officials of Lekki Retailtainment Limited, including Damilola Adebayo and Seyi Sowale, unlawfully took over the premises without a court order.
“The landlord forcefully and illegally took over our client’s demised premises by locking up the outlet with chains, an act which smacks of criminal trespass,” the petition read.
The legal team argued that any dispute arising from the lease agreement should have been addressed through lawful means, not self-help.
“A resort to criminal trespass by the landlord does not represent best practices. It constitutes a crime against our client whose occupation was valid and lawful ab initio,” the petition added.
Mounting Losses, Calls For Intervention
Eyube said her business has suffered significant financial losses due to the forced closure, especially as the funds used for the lease were partly sourced through loans.
“I am incurring losses daily. This is not just about me, it’s about what happens to Nigerian businesses when foreign entities dictate who survives,” she said.
She confirmed that the police have invited the parties for further investigation, with a meeting scheduled for April 30.
However, she called for urgent intervention from authorities to ensure her shop is reopened before then.
“This is about fairness, justice, and protecting local businesses. If this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone,” she warned.
When SaharaReporters contacted Damilola Adebayo, the Head of Leasing, she declined to provide a detailed response.
She said, “You can’t get a response from me because she has already involved her lawyer. I believe Alola is already in talks with her, so I’m surprised to receive this call.
“She has already filed a case, which is currently ongoing. So, I don’t think I’m in a position to speak on any further issues, as the matter is now before the court. However, to clarify, there was no agreed commencement date.
“I don’t know if there has been any misinformation, but I just want to correct that. The commencement date was never signed. Whatever the situation is, it is already being handled legally.
“I also recall speaking with them, but since the matter has been taken up legally, they are not at liberty to speak. The same applies to me, as they have already received a letter from their lawyer, who is responding. So, a lot of things are ongoing.”
Efforts to reach VFS Global through Mr. Zamile Zikhali, the supervisor for the Schengen section, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to messages.