The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has formally demanded a public apology and the retraction of a recent publication by Peoples Gazette within 48 hours, following what he described as a “false and defamatory” report.
The controversial article, published by the online news platform on Saturday, August 2, 2025, alleged that Mr. Olukoyede, alongside the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi, coerced the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, into signing a resignation letter during a secret meeting in Abuja.
The report further insinuated that Ojulari was questioned about his alleged links to British-Nigerian oil businesswoman, Olatimbo Ayinde, whom the publication claimed wields significant influence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a follow-up story, Peoples Gazette also alleged that First Lady Remi Tinubu intervened at the Presidential Villa, insisting the resignation would not be accepted, and that Ayinde was behind the pressure campaign.
Describing the reports as “uncharitable, reckless, and malicious,” Mr. Olukoyede, through his legal counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, condemned the publication for portraying him as someone who had “betrayed and subverted public trust” by allegedly acting on the orders of a private individual.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Editor of Peoples Gazette Limited, Olukoyede demanded an unreserved apology, a public retraction, and the immediate removal of the articles from the newspaper’s website and social media platforms.
“The publications and the imputations conveyed by them are so damning and cannot be ignored or treated with levity,” the letter stated.
The EFCC chairman warned that failure to comply with the demands would lead to legal action. His lawyer noted that a writ for defamation would be filed, “to allow you to prove your disparagement of my client’s character and reputation, especially concerning his office as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.”
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development in a statement released on Tuesday, August 6, 2025.
