EFCC Chairman Olukoyede Demands Retraction, Apology Over ‘Fake News’ Resignation Scandal Report

EFCC Chairman Olukoyede has demanded retraction and apology over ‘fake news’ resignation scandal report.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to an online news outlet over what he described as a false and malicious report alleging he “abducted” the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, and coerced him into resigning.

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Olukoyede, in a strong-worded statement released on Wednesday, demanded an immediate retraction of the story and a public apology, warning that failure to comply could trigger legal action.

EFCC Chairman Denies Forcing NNPCL Boss to Resign

 

The controversial report, published on Saturday, August 2, 2025, claimed that Olukoyede, alongside DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi, forced Ojulari to sign a resignation letter during a meeting in Abuja, under alleged pressure from powerful political forces within the presidency.

The publication further alleged that Ojulari was interrogated about his links to a British-Nigerian oil magnate, portrayed as a key influence in the Tinubu administration. It also claimed that First Lady Remi Tinubu rejected Ojulari’s resignation and that the move was orchestrated by a presidential associate named Olatimbo Ayinde.

Olukoyede: Report Is a “Fairy Tale” Meant to Damage Integrity

In his response, Olukoyede described the report as a “baseless fairy tale” filled with malicious fabrications, intended to undermine public trust in the EFCC.

“It is an uncharitable attempt to paint me as a public officer who has betrayed and subverted his oath of office by surrendering to the directives of private individuals,” the EFCC boss said.

He emphasized that at no point did the EFCC or its leadership act outside the boundaries of due process or allow its operations to be influenced by personal or political interests.

Legal Options on the Table

Olukoyede noted that while the EFCC welcomes press freedom and journalistic scrutiny, the line must not be crossed into defamation, misinformation, or character assassination.

He gave the publication 48 hours to retract the story and issue a public apology, failing which, he warned, the Commission would pursue legal remedies to protect its integrity and leadership.

Background: NNPCL Leadership Crisis and Alleged Political Intrigues

 

The initial report triggered widespread speculation about internal power struggles within the Tinubu-led administration, particularly surrounding the sudden exit of Bayo Ojulari from the top job at NNPCL.

However, neither the presidency nor the DSS has issued any official confirmation or denial of the claims, while the NNPCL has maintained silence on the matter.