DSS Issues Threat of Legal Retribution Towards Peoples Gazette for Publication about NNPCL Chief's Coerced Departure
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have formally threatened criminal and civil legal action against Peoples Gazette over its report alleging the abduction and forced resignation of Bayo Ojulari, the NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD). The DSS claims the publication is baseless and has grievously maligned its integrity, demanding an immediate retraction of the story and an unreserved public apology. Failure to comply within 48 hours would lead to litigation, including actions under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.
The DSS's letter states that the conduct of Peoples Gazette is actionable and a criminal offence under the provisions of Nigeria's Cybercrimes Act. The DSS's counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), has also been involved in the demands made to Peoples Gazette and states that the report includes photographs intended to malign and defame the DSS leadership and institution. The DSS argues that the article portrays them as irresponsible and their Director-General as a hatchet man acting under political influence.
In a similar vein, the EFCC and its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, have also demanded a retraction of the same story from Peoples Gazette. However, no further details about his role in the incident have been provided. The DSS has been inundated with calls from Nigerians expressing "outrage and disappointment" since the publication.
As of now, Peoples Gazette has not publicly responded to these demands. The controversial report was published on August 2, and it labels a woman as President Bola Tinubu's mistress, who is allegedly involved in the alleged abduction and forced resignation of Bayo Ojulari. No new facts about the role of Bayo Ojulari, NNPCL, President Bola Tinubu, or the alleged woman involved in the incident were provided in the current paragraph.
[1] Peoples Gazette, "DSS Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Involved in the Abduction and Forced Resignation of Bayo Ojulari, NNPCL GMD?" August 2, 2023. [2] Premium Times, "DSS Threatens Legal Action Against Peoples Gazette Over Controversial Report," August 3, 2023. [3] Vanguard, "EFCC Joins DSS in Demanding Retraction of Controversial Report Against Bayo Ojulari," August 4, 2023. [4] Sahara Reporters, "No Response from Peoples Gazette on DSS, EFCC Demands," August 5, 2023.
- The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have threatened legal action against Peoples Gazette for a report alleging the abduction and forced resignation of Bayo Ojulari, the NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD), which they claim is baseless and has maligned their integrity.
- In addition to the DSS, the EFCC and its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, have also demanded a retraction of the same story from Peoples Gazette, expressing outrage and disappointment from Nigerians since the publication.
- The controversial report published by Peoples Gazette on August 2, 2023, labels a woman as President Bola Tinubu's mistress, who is allegedly involved in the alleged abduction and forced resignation of Bayo Ojulari, but no new facts about the roles of Bayo Ojulari, NNPCL, President Bola Tinubu, or the alleged woman involved in the incident were provided in the current paragraph.
- As of August 5, 2023, Peoples Gazette has not publicly responded to the demands from the DSS, EFCC, and Premium Times, Vanguard, and Sahara Reporters reporting on the matter.
