Prince Fajulugbe Temitayo, a medical representative from Orin Ekiti, has initiated a ₦500 million defamation suit against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He filed the lawsuit over serious allegations of defamation of character, asserting that the NDLEA falsely labeled him a “drug peddler.”
This allegation surfaced in a publication dated October 1, 2023.
Moreover, the publication circulated widely and linked Temitayo’s name and image to illicit drug activities.
The headline, which stated, “WANTED KINGPIN, CHADIAN, GRANDPA ARRESTED OVER LONDON-BOUND SHIPMENT, 4 TONS OF DRUG,” suggested his involvement in criminal activities.
In response, Temitayo firmly denied these claims, labeling them as baseless and misleading.
Temitayo clarified that the medical supplies mentioned were, in fact, legitimate pharmaceutical products.
Drugfield Pharmaceuticals, a reputable company, produced these items with authorization from the relevant regulatory body.
Despite the legitimacy of the goods, Temitayo expressed frustration that the NDLEA failed to issue a public correction or apology.
Consequently, the publication’s defamatory implications continued to impact Temitayo’s reputation negatively.
The claimant’s requests within the lawsuit include several specific prayers to address the harm caused by the NDLEA’s publication.
First, Temitayo seeks an unreserved apology and a retraction of the defamatory statements published by the agency.
Additionally, he requests that the NDLEA retract the defamatory statement on their official website, Facebook page, and in two national newspapers.
Furthermore, he is demanding ₦500 million in exemplary damages for the libelous article.
Additionally, he requests a perpetual injunction to prevent the NDLEA and its affiliates from publishing any further defamatory content.
This case is poised to attract significant attention, emphasizing accountability while exposing the serious repercussions of defamatory publications.
Stakeholders are eager to examine the implications for both personal and professional consequences faced by victims.