Bishop Katung’s Son, Abraham, Petitions EFCC Chairman, Demands ₦1.5 Billion Over Alleged Defamatory Publications
A new dimension has emerged in the legal challenges of Bishop Jonas Katung, as his son, Abraham Katung, has petitioned the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding ₦1.5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory media reports linked to an EFCC official.
The petition, filed through CRAC & Partners, accuses EFCC legal officer Ibrahim Buba of abuse of office and professional misconduct. At the heart of the dispute is Bishop Katung’s ongoing case before the Federal High Court in Jos.
The Covenant Fadama Case
Bishop Katung, a fiery and well-known preacher based in Jos, is alleged to be the Chairman of the Covenant Fadama Multi-purpose Cooperative Society. He is currently standing trial on 23 counts of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and money laundering.
According to the EFCC, the cooperative defrauded members of the public of ₦178.8 million through an .investment scheme that promised high returns. Katung has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case has witnessed several adjournments and is scheduled to continue in October 2025.
Allegations of Media Manipulation
In his petition, Abraham Katung alleges that during the July 23, 2025 court session, Mr. Buba facilitated the presence of journalists from The Sun, The Punch, and PM News and encouraged them to publish damaging stories about his father. These reports, he claimed, were subsequently amplified on the EFCC’s official website and Instagram handle.
The petitioner argues that such actions violated the principle of sub judice and the constitutional presumption of innocence, since the case is still pending. CRAC & Partners further contend that the reports were misleading and did not accurately reflect the court proceedings of that day.
Economic and Reputational Fallout
The petition highlights the ripple effects of the publications, which allegedly triggered cyberbullying, physical threats, and reputational harm to the Katung family.
Abraham Katung claims he has suffered major financial losses, including the collapse of multimillion-naira contracts and business partnerships with Dellahs Global Resources.
“Within three years, my client’s businesses lost contracts running into billions of naira on account of these unsubstantiated allegations,” the petition reads in part.
Demands to the EFCC
The petitioner is requesting the following from the EFCC Chairman:
- Order the removal of all defamatory posts from the commission’s website and social media platforms.
- Investigate and sanction the alleged misconduct of Barrister Buba.
- Approve ₦1.5 billion in compensation for reputational and economic damage.
- Wider Implications for EFCC Credibility
The petition has sparked broader debate over the EFCC’s communication strategy and the conduct of its officials in shaping public opinion around sensitive cases. Legal analysts caution that while the EFCC must pursue its anti-corruption mandate, it must also protect constitutional rights, particularly the presumption of innocence.
“This case, if not carefully handled, risks undermining public confidence in the EFCC’s impartiality,” a legal expert warned. “Using official platforms to push narratives before the court delivers judgment can be prejudicial.”
Looking Ahead
The Federal High Court in Jos is expected to resume hearing the Covenant Fadama case in October 2025. Observers believe that the fresh petition may increase pressure on the EFCC leadership to review how its officials engage with the media during ongoing proceedings.
For now, attention remains on the EFCC Chairman, as the commission walks a fine line between aggressive anti-corruption enforcement and strict adherence to due process.
