The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has demanded a public apology and the immediate withdrawal of a report published by a national daily (not NewsDirect), describing the article as a fabricated and defamatory piece falsely alleging his involvement in the abduction and coercion of a senior executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Through his legal counsel, Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, the EFCC Chairman issued a 48-hour deadline to the online publication, accusing it of publishing a baseless story that not only tarnished his personal reputation but also undermined the legitimacy of the office he holds.
The Commission’s reaction was conveyed in an official statement released on Wednesday by the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
The contested article, published on Saturday 2 August, alleged that Mr Olukoyede, alongside the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, compelled the resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr Bayo Ojulari, during a private meeting in Abuja.
The story further claimed that the incident was influenced by directives from a British-Nigerian oil magnate, Ms Olatimbo Ayinde, said to have ties to the Tinubu-led administration.
Part of the statement read: “The publications and the insinuations contained therein are deeply damaging and cannot be dismissed or treated casually.
“They portray me as someone who has surrendered the authority and trust reposed in me as Chairman of the EFCC to the personal interests and instructions of one Olatimbo Ayinde, thereby betraying public confidence.”
In the formal letter addressed to the Editor of the news establishment, Olumide-Fusika demanded a full retraction and unqualified apology. He stated that the publication must also publicly admit that its claims were false and remove all versions of the story from its website and affiliated social media platforms.
He warned that failure to comply would result in legal proceedings. “A Writ for defamation will be filed, giving you the opportunity to justify your attack on my client’s character and reputation, particularly in his capacity as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” the letter stated.
The EFCC, while denouncing the publication as an example of reckless reporting, cautioned that any further attempts to malign the integrity of the Commission’s leadership would be met with vigorous legal resistance.
