Media vs Anti-Graft Agency: The EFCC has demanded a retraction of People’s Gazette’s report alleging its chairman orchestrated the forced resignation of NNPC’s CEO. But the outlet isn’t backing down, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle over press freedom and accountability.
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC, has threatened to sue People’s Gazette over its August 2 report detailing how EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and DSS Director Adeola Ajayi allegedly abducted NNPC CEO Bayo Ojulari and forced him to sign a pre-written resignation letter. The publication, which cited anonymous sources, claimed the officials acted on behalf of controversial businesswoman Olatimbo Ayinde, a figure linked to President Bola Tinubu’s inner circle.
The story sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political and business elite, prompting First Lady Remi Tinubu’s reported intervention to halt Ojulari’s removal. While the NNPC boss resumed work without comment, Olukoyede has now escalated the conflict, demanding a retraction through his lawyers at Citipoint. In a letter dated August 6, senior advocate Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika called the report “defamatory” and gave the Gazette 48 hours to apologize and pull the story.
Olukoyede’s legal team argued the article portrayed him as “subverting public trust” by allegedly taking orders from Ayinde—a claim they vehemently deny. “The publications cannot be ignored or treated with levity,” the letter stated, hinting at potential criminal implications for the EFCC chairman if the story stands.
But People’s Gazette isn’t budging. Managing Editor Samuel Ogundipe told journalists the outlet stands by its reporting, noting that the EFCC and DSS had declined to comment before publication. “They sidestepped the opportunity to respond, and days later, still haven’t publicly denied the facts,” Ogundipe said. He dismissed the legal threat as intimidation, vowing to protect sources while welcoming any court challenge. “We’re prepared to push back fiercely against vexatious lawsuits,” he added.
The EFCC, meanwhile, has publicly denied coercing Ojulari, with spokesman Dele Oyewale calling the story “fabricated.” Olukoyede insists he never acted on Ayinde’s behalf, framing the report as an attack on his integrity. Yet the Gazette’s narrative—that powerful figures tried to oust the NNPC boss over alleged ties to Ayinde—has gained traction, with other media outlets and citizens demanding transparency.
This clash highlights Nigeria’s fraught media landscape, where investigative outlets often face legal and political blowback for exposing sensitive stories. The Gazette, known for its hard-hitting reports, appears ready to defend its journalism in court. But the EFCC’s threat raises questions: Is this a legitimate grievance, or an attempt to silence critical reporting?
Observers note the case could set a precedent for press freedom. If the Gazette prevails, it may embolden more scrutiny of high-profile officials. If Olukoyede succeeds, media houses could grow wary of publishing unflattering stories about Nigeria’s power brokers.