Excel Optoelectronics Company Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Emmanuel Shoon Patrick, have issued a strong Right of Reply challenging two media reports that alleged the company and its founder were involved in multi-million-naira fraud and diversion of funds linked to LED installation projects at Nigerian airports.
In a detailed statement addressed to media houses, Amb. Patrick described the December 16, 2025 and February 5, 2026 publications as “inaccurate, misleading and injurious,” saying they portrayed a commercial disagreement as established criminal conduct.
“The articles present allegations that are neither supported by verifiable facts nor reflective of the true position. Regrettably, no effort was made to seek my response prior to publication, thereby denying your readers the benefit of balance and fairness,” he said.
The reports had claimed that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) referred Excel-LED and Amb. Patrick to the Inspector-General of Police over alleged diversion of funds from airport LED contracts, including at Port Harcourt International Airport, with suggestions of tax evasion, money laundering and non-performance.
Amb. Patrick rejected the claims, insisting that Excel Optoelectronics is “an independent and proudly Nigerian company” with a track record in supplying and installing LED display and lighting systems for airports, corporate bodies and public institutions.
“Under my leadership, Excel LED has built a portfolio distinguished by reliability, innovation and international collaboration. It is unfortunate that publications of this nature, even circulated in China, were intended to rubbish our image as a country and dampen the efforts of young Nigerian entrepreneurs,” he stated.
According to the company, the dispute arose from a commercial engagement initiated in December 2025 with Folio Media Group Ltd., owned by Mr. Fidelis Anosike, publisher of Daily Times, over the supply of LED screens for placement at Port Harcourt International Airport.
Amb. Patrick explained that although his company operates a strict no-credit policy, it agreed as a gesture of goodwill to release one unit against a ₦10 million deposit on a total invoice of ₦28.33 million, inclusive of VAT.
“Mr. Anosike fully accepted these terms and paid the deposit. The transaction was commercial, not criminal,” he said, adding that tax obligations were preserved and that “no government revenue was placed at risk.”
He further alleged that when the outstanding balance was raised, Mr. Anosike became hostile and threatened to use his position as a publisher to publicise the dispute.
“He falsely labelled me a ‘criminal’ and threatened to leverage his media platform. That is how a private commercial disagreement was turned into a trial by media,” Amb. Patrick said.
Excel Optoelectronics also accused the reports of breaching journalistic ethics by failing to seek the company’s response before publication and by shielding the identity of the accuser while fully exposing the company and its CEO.
“Such imbalance suggests bias and recklessness. The media’s role is to inform, not to coerce or prejudice,” the statement added.
The company has now formally demanded corrective action, including prominent publication of its Right of Reply, withdrawal of what it calls “unfounded criminal impressions,” removal or amendment of the online reports, and a public apology.
“We seek these steps in good faith to correct the public record and uphold journalistic standards,” Amb. Patrick said. “We will not be intimidated or subjected to reputational harm through the misuse of media platforms to pursue private commercial grievances.”
He warned that if the requests are not addressed within a reasonable time, Excel Optoelectronics will pursue legal and regulatory remedies, including petitions to professional bodies and civil actions for defamation and malicious falsehood.
“Excel Optoelectronics remains a law-abiding corporate entity, dedicated to ethical business practices and professional integrity,” Amb. Patrick concluded. “Our only objective is fairness, accuracy and accountability in the public space.”
