The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the online news outlet, Peoples Gazette, demanding a retraction and public apology over what he described as a false and defamatory report.
The publication had claimed that the EFCC abducted the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, and forced him to resign at a secret location in Abuja.
It also alleged that Olukoyede acted under the directives of a British-Nigerian oil businesswoman, Olatimbo Ayinde, who was described as an influential figure within the Tinubu administration.
Olukoyede, through his legal counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, condemned the report as false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation and the integrity of the EFCC.
In a letter addressed to the editor of Peoples Gazette, he demanded an unreserved apology, withdrawal of the publication, and removal of all related content from the outlet’s website and social media platforms.
He warned that failure to comply would lead to a defamation lawsuit, where the publication would be required to substantiate its allegations in court.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale also issued a statement refuting the report, describing it as a “sensational and poorly-sourced” fabrication.
He noted that the article not only alleged coercion by Olukoyede and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, but also suggested interference from First Lady Remi Tinubu and Olatimbo Ayinde in Ojulari’s supposed resignation.
The EFCC insists the entire report is baseless and intended to mislead the public while undermining the commission’s leadership.
