Property World Africa Network (PWAN), Nigeria’s leading real estate conglomerate, has strongly refuted allegations of fraud leveled against it by The Ink Portal, a local newspaper in Akwa Ibom State.
The controversy stems from a report published on January 3, 2025, which accused PWAN of defrauding an individual, Anthony Edem, of ₦30 million in a failed land transaction. However, Ambassador Bright Ezebuiro, Managing Director of PWAN RUBY, has dismissed the claims as baseless, insisting that they are a deliberate attempt to tarnish the company’s reputation.
Reacting to the publication, Ambassador Ezebuiro criticized the newspaper for its lack of journalistic balance, stating that the reporter failed to seek PWAN’s side of the story before publishing the allegations.
“Our attention has been drawn to the falsehoods deliberately propagated in the January 3rd edition of The Ink Portal. It is unfortunate that the reporter exhibited a dire lack of journalistic rigor and ethical responsibility, opting instead to cater to certain interests while maligning our organization,” Ezebuiro said.
Providing further clarification, he explained that Anthony Edem and his associates were allocated plots of land but later rejected them due to concerns about flooding from a nearby drainage system. In response, PWAN secured alternative property for them, completing the process in November 2024, with physical allocation scheduled for early 2025.
Despite these efforts, Edem has continued to resist the allocation process. PWAN recently invited him for the physical allocation of his land on February 6, yet his email response indicated reluctance, citing ongoing legal proceedings and requesting his lawyer’s representation. He also demanded that another client, Mrs. Stella, be allocated her land.
PWAN, however, confirmed that physical allocation notification letters had been sent to both Edem and his associates, including Mrs. Stella. The company maintained that his allegations were a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage its reputation.
Ambassador Ezebuiro reassured clients and investors of PWAN’s unwavering commitment to transparency, excellence, and customer satisfaction.
“PWAN is a reputable organization, and we stand firm against these unfounded attacks. We choose this platform to share our side of the story and reassure our invaluable clients that our dedication to their satisfaction and trust remains unwavering,” he affirmed.
He further urged the public to be wary of misinformation, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism.
The controversy has sparked concerns over media ethics, with PWAN condemning The Ink Portal for publishing what it described as a defamatory and misleading report. The company stressed the need for journalists to uphold integrity and verify facts before rushing to print.
“In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, it is crucial that media houses prioritize truth over sensational headlines. The responsibility lies with journalists to maintain ethical standards and ensure that facts, not falsehoods, shape public perception,” Ezebuiro added.
While PWAN remains committed to resolving grievances through appropriate channels, it has vowed to defend its reputation vigorously. The company assured its clients and stakeholders that it will continue delivering quality real estate solutions while upholding the highest industry standards.
“As always, PWAN remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-notch real estate services with integrity and accountability. We will not be deterred by false accusations, and we will continue to operate with the transparency that defines us,” the statement concluded.
With the company standing firm against the allegations, the unfolding developments will determine how this dispute is ultimately resolved.
