JUST IN: EFCC chairman denies forcing NNPCL boss to resign, demands apology

DDM News

(DDM) — The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has vehemently denied allegations that he coerced the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, into resigning.

The EFCC made this clarification on Tuesday through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, via the commission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Olukoyede described the claims as unfounded and defamatory, stating that the report was the product of sensational journalism by the online platform, People’s Gazette.

DDM reports that the publication alleged that Olukoyede, in collaboration with the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, forced Ojulari to sign a resignation letter during a covert meeting in Abuja.

The report also claimed that Ojulari was questioned about his links to Olatimbo Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil businesswoman who has allegedly gained significant influence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to People’s Gazette, the pressure mounted on Ojulari extended to the Presidential Villa, where the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, reportedly intervened to halt the resignation.

It further alleged that Ayinde, said to be a close associate of the President, was behind the move to oust Ojulari.

Olukoyede, through his legal counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), has now issued a formal letter to the editors of People’s Gazette demanding a retraction of the story.

He has also requested a public apology and a complete removal of the articles from the news platform’s website and social media channels.

The EFCC boss stressed that the article paints him as a compromised official who has subjected the integrity of his office to the whims of an individual with no official standing.

He stated that such claims are not only damaging to his personal character but also an assault on the credibility of the EFCC as an institution.

According to the letter, the publication “conveys imputations so damning they cannot be ignored or treated with levity.”

DDM gathered that Olukoyede gave the online newspaper a 48-hour ultimatum to comply with his demands or face legal action.

His lawyer warned that failure to retract the report would prompt the filing of a defamation lawsuit aimed at proving the falsity of the allegations in court.

The letter emphasizes the right of the EFCC chairman to defend his name and reputation, particularly given the high ethical standards required of his office.

As of press time, People’s Gazette had not issued a formal response to the EFCC chairman’s demands.

This controversy adds to the growing tension around high-profile appointments and resignations within President Tinubu’s administration.

Observers say the case could test the boundaries between investigative journalism and defamation in Nigeria’s media landscape.

Legal experts also suggest that if the EFCC chairman proceeds with the defamation suit, it may become a landmark case for public office holders seeking redress from digital platforms.

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