The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly denied a recent report alleging that its Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, abducted the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, and coerced him into signing a resignation letter.
In a formal statement issued on Wednesday, the EFCC described the claims—originally published by People’s Gazette—as false, defamatory, and lacking journalistic integrity, demanding an immediate retraction and public apology within 48 hours.
EFCC Slams Report as Fabricated and Malicious
According to the EFCC, the article in question, dated Saturday, August 2, 2025, alleged that both Mr. Olukoyede and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi, were involved in an orchestrated move to force Ojulari to resign during a covert meeting in Abuja.
The report further made sensational claims linking the alleged incident to Olatimbo Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil executive reportedly close to the Tinubu administration, insinuating that she influenced key decisions at the highest levels of government.
“This is a reckless fabrication aimed at damaging the reputation of a public official and undermining the credibility of the EFCC,” the agency stated.
In a legal notice sent to the Editor of People’s Gazette, Mr. Olukoyede—through his counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN)—rejected the publication as “uncharitable and defamatory,” emphasizing that the story wrongly portrays him as someone who has compromised public trust.
“The reports falsely suggest that my client submitted the authority of his office to the whims of a private individual, which is not only untrue but deeply defamatory,” the statement read.
Legal Action Looms Over Defamation
Olukoyede’s lawyer made it clear that unless the publication issues an unreserved apology and removes the article from both its website and social media platforms, the EFCC Chairman will initiate legal proceedings for defamation of character.
“The imputations conveyed by your publication are so damaging they cannot be ignored or treated lightly,” Olumide-Fusika warned.
He added that a writ of defamation would be filed to give the publication an opportunity to prove the allegations in court, particularly given the significant public office his client occupies.
Background on the Allegations
People’s Gazette had claimed in its article that Ojulari was summoned to the Presidential Villa, where First Lady Remi Tinubu allegedly opposed his resignation. The report further alleged that the EFCC and DSS acted under the influence of Olatimbo Ayinde, who it referred to as a powerful behind-the-scenes player in the Tinubu administration.
The EFCC, however, has dismissed the entire narrative as a “concocted fairy tale” with no basis in fact or verified sourcing.
EFCC Calls for Responsible Journalism
The Commission emphasized the importance of ethical journalism, urging media organizations to verify their information before publication, particularly when it concerns national institutions and individuals holding public office.
“Baseless accusations not only harm reputations but also threaten the integrity of institutions fighting corruption in Nigeria,” the EFCC concluded.
Key Points:
EFCC denies allegations of abducting NNPCL boss.
Demands retraction and apology from People’s Gazette within 48 hours.
Legal action threatened if the defamatory publication is not withdrawn.
Claims linking EFCC’s actions to a private individual described as “false and reckless.”
EFCC urges the media to uphold standards of factual reporting and accountability.
