The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have issued strong-worded legal warnings to an online news platform, demanding a retraction and public apology over a report alleging the abduction and forced resignation of Mr. Bayo Ojulari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).
In separate statements and legal correspondences, both agencies described the publication—dated August 2, 2025—as false, defamatory, and damaging to the reputation and credibility of their respective leadership.
DSS Threatens Legal Action Over “Baseless” Allegations
The DSS, through a letter dated August 6 and signed by its legal counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), on behalf of the agency and its Director-General, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, condemned the report titled: “EFCC, SSS abduct NNPC BOSS Bayo Ojulari, force him to sign resignation letter after directive from Bola Tinubu’s paramour Olatimbo Ayinde.”
The publication, which included images of Mr. Ajayi, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, and a woman identified as Olatimbo Ayinde, claimed that Ojulari was abducted and compelled to resign by security operatives on the alleged orders of a close associate of President Bola Tinubu.
Describing the story as “totally false, unfounded, and libellous,” the DSS stated it was an attempt to portray the agency and its leadership as instruments of political coercion.
“Our clients have been grievously maligned and injured in their integrity and character by your baseless and unfounded publication,” the letter read.
“The story lacked balance, relied on questionable sources, and failed to meet basic journalistic standards.”
The DSS demanded:
- An immediate retraction of the story across all platforms,
- An unreserved public apology, and
- The removal of the report from all digital channels.
The letter warned that failure to comply within 48 hours would result in civil and criminal proceedings under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
“Be informed that these legal actions shall be taken against you and your outfit without further reference to you,” it added.
EFCC Chairman Denounces Defamatory Claims
In a related development, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, through his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), also demanded a full retraction of the same report. A statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Wednesday confirmed the move.
Olukoyede expressed outrage at the publication’s suggestion that he was acting under the influence of a British-Nigerian oil businesswoman, said to have sway within the presidency.
The legal letter, addressed to the news outlet’s editor, described the report as “false, malicious and damaging,” warning that the allegations had cast a serious shadow over Olukoyede’s professional integrity.
“You portrayed my client as someone who has betrayed and subverted public trust by submitting his authority as EFCC chairman to the dictates of one Olatimbo Ayinde,” the letter stated.
Olukoyede’s legal team demanded the following within 48 hours:
- An express acknowledgment of wrongdoing,
- A public and unreserved apology,
- A complete retraction and takedown of the report from the outlet’s website and social media platforms.
Failure to comply, the letter warned, would trigger a defamation lawsuit.
“Any failure of compliance with these instructions will result in the issuance of a writ in the tort of defamation,” it concluded.
Background and Implications
The controversial report has sparked intense backlash, with legal and public relations experts noting that it could lead to significant litigation. The targeted individuals and agencies say the publication not only impugns their reputations but also undermines public trust in key institutions.
As of the time of this report, the news outlet in question has not issued a formal response to the demands.
