Former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, has threatened to file a ₦10 billion libel suit against Voice of the People Television (VOP TV) over a broadcast he described as false, malicious and defamatory.
Through his legal representatives, Ojukwu Chikaosolu & Co., Komolafe accused the television station of airing allegations that ₦5 trillion and $1.4 billion went missing during his tenure at the NUPRC.
In a pre-action notice, the former NUPRC boss demanded that the station immediately retract the claims, issue a public apology and remove the broadcast from all digital and social media platforms.
The lawyers gave VOP TV 48 hours to publish a retraction and 72 hours to issue a written apology, warning that failure to comply would lead to legal action seeking ₦10 billion in damages, alongside other reliefs.
According to the legal team, the controversial statements were made during one of the station’s programmes by its in-house legal analyst, Barrister Darlington Agomou, who allegedly claimed that a forensic examination of Komolafe’s department uncovered missing public funds amounting to ₦5 trillion and $1.4 billion.
The solicitors argued that the comments portrayed Komolafe as a corrupt public official who diverted and absconded with public funds, insisting that the allegations were entirely false and unsupported by any credible evidence.
They maintained that Komolafe has never been investigated, charged or convicted by any law enforcement or anti-corruption agency over allegations of fraud, corruption, embezzlement or abuse of office.
The legal team described their client as a respected legal practitioner, petroleum engineer and career public servant who served in various capacities, including at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), before becoming the pioneer Chief Executive of the NUPRC.
They added that throughout his years in public service, Komolafe maintained an unblemished record and earned several local and international honours for his contributions to Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
According to the lawyers, the broadcaster failed to verify the allegations before airing them and also neglected to contact Komolafe for his response, contrary to accepted standards of responsible journalism.
They further alleged that the station violated several provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, including requirements relating to accuracy, fairness, right of reply and compliance with laws governing defamatory publications.
The solicitors said the continued availability of the programme on Facebook, YouTube and other online platforms has worsened the alleged damage to Komolafe’s reputation, noting that each new viewing amounts to a fresh publication under defamation law.
They also claimed the broadcast had triggered numerous calls and enquiries from professional associates, family members, friends and international contacts seeking clarification over the allegations.
As part of their demands, Komolafe’s lawyers want the station to broadcast a retraction with the same prominence as the original programme, issue an unreserved written apology and permanently remove the content from all platforms under its control.
They warned that failure to meet the deadlines would result in a lawsuit seeking ₦10 billion in general damages, aggravated and exemplary damages, a perpetual injunction against further defamatory publications, and a court order compelling the removal of the content.
The legal team also indicated that it may petition relevant broadcasting regulators over the alleged breach of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
In addition, the lawyers disclosed plans to petition the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging criminal defamation and an attempt to endanger Komolafe’s life by inciting public hostility against him.
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