By Temidayo Akinsuyi
After much appeal from concerned Nigerians and apology from Hon. Marvelous Muhizu Zibiri, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo has withdrawn the legal case he instituted over the unsubstantiated allegation by Zibiri in which he described the highly respected businessman as a drug baron.
Earlier this month, Zibiri had slandered Okunbo, when in a willfully damaging publication, which went viral on the social media, described the illustrious son of Benin as a “drug baron”. For many reasons, Captain Hosa as he is called didn’t find such impudence funny neither was he going to let it slide this time. This was a matter that had been resolved some 25 years ago, with a competent court declaring him clean. So, where is this coming from? Who could be behind this, because obviously, it was beyond the man, who was the new face of the attack?
But Okunbo made a resolution: that he would though pursue this to the very last. However, in doing so, he would not employ any extra-judicial means or be seen to have abused his power, and influence over a rather younger Zibiri, who was evidently misled. And that was how the journey that eventually culminated in a peaceful denoucement, began.
First on June 3, 2020, Okunbo petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Ada- mu, intimating him of what he described as “malicious, vicious and injurious” conduct of Zibiri.
Mindful of the damage that the publication had caused to both his person and business, Okunbo asked the IGP “to put a stop to the ongoing criminal falsehood and conduct of Mr. Marvelous Muhizu Zibiri and his cohorts, while we seek other legal remedies for this very das- tardly act.”
Acting on the petition, the IGP immediately deployed some of his good hands to work and after days of searching for Zibiri, he was arrested and taken to Abuja, where investigations about his destructive publication com- menced.
But on June 20, Jimba Cham- bers, solicitors to Zibiri, wrote to Captain Okunbo, seeking his patience and understanding, es- pecially, having met at different times with their client, who had also owned up to the charges against him.Loading…
In the letter signed by Alha- ji Yakubu Jimba, the solicitors wrote: “Our client is willing, ready and able to put up and publish a written withdrawal of alleged defamatory publication without prejudice. To this ex- tent, we shall be grateful if you kindly decline to press charges.
Our client further undertakes that upon regaining freedom, he shall publish a written apology to you forthwith.” he concluded.
Source:Daily Independent
