Mike Ozekhome replies EFCC, SSS over demand to retract story on NNPC boss - Newstrends
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Mike Ozekhome replies EFCC, SSS over demand to retract story on NNPC boss

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome

Mike Ozekhome replies EFCC, SSS over demand to retract story on NNPC boss

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, has formally responded on behalf of Peoples Gazette to letters from EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede and SSS chief Adeola Ajayi, demanding a retraction of reports on the abduction and coercion to resign of Bayo Ojulari, NNPC’s boss.

Mr Ozekhome dismissed the retraction demands as baseless, insisting that The Gazette’s reports were accurate, balanced, and in line with global journalistic standards.

The Gazette published an exclusive report on August 2, 2025, detailing how the EFCC and the SSS, respectively under the leadership of Messrs Olukoyede and Ajayi, detained Mr Ojulari and compelled him to resign from office, at the behest of Olatimbo Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil businesswoman who has recently emerged as one of the most powerful forces steering the President Bola Tinubu administration.

A follow-up story reported that First Lady Remi Tinubu later intervened to stall the resignation plot.

Following the reports, Messrs Olukoyede and Ajayi separately wrote The Gazette, accusing the newspaper of defamation and threatening legal action under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, unless the stories were retracted and an apology tendered within 48 hours.

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But Mr Ozekhome, in both replies dated August 29, 2025, said the threats were unwarranted. He stressed that the newspaper had made diligent efforts to contact EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Mr Ajayi, and presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga before going to press, but received no substantive response.

“Our client carefully balanced its constitutional duty to inform the public with the right of fair hearing and rebuttal, opportunities that were fully accorded your clients but regrettably ignored,” the senior advocate wrote.

Mr Ozekhome further argued that the publications were not defamatory and did not impute the allegations ascribed to them by the security agencies. Instead, he noted, the stories were published in good faith and backed by credible sources.

Quoting the Nigerian Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Mr Ozekhome stated that the reports were constitutionally protected exercises of press freedom.

The senior advocate added that The Gazette owed Nigerians a duty, under Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, to hold the government accountable, stressing that the attempt to silence the press is inconsistent with democratic values.

Mike Ozekhome replies EFCC, SSS over demand to retract story on NNPC boss

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Bride Abandoned 24 Hours After Wedding as Groom Declares Marriage ‘a Mistake’

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Bride Abandoned 24 Hours After Wedding as Groom Declares Marriage ‘a Mistake’

A newlywed woman was left devastated after her husband abruptly ended their marriage just hours after their lavish wedding ceremony, in a shocking turn of events that has since drawn widespread attention online.

The incident, shared by a relative on a popular discussion forum, involved a couple described as childhood sweethearts in their mid-20s whose relationship had long been admired within their social circle. Their wedding, attended by more than 250 guests, was reportedly a grand affair, symbolising what many believed to be a perfect union.

However, the marriage unravelled almost immediately.

According to the account, the couple had barely begun their honeymoon journey when the groom made a startling confession. While seated on a flight to their destination, he reportedly turned to his bride and said, “This was a mistake,” before withdrawing completely and refusing further communication.

Upon arrival, the bride returned home on the next available flight, while the groom remained behind. It was later alleged that he spent his time at the honeymoon resort engaging in reckless behaviour, further compounding the emotional distress caused.

In the weeks that followed, the bride was left to manage the aftermath of the failed marriage, including returning wedding gifts and responding to guests, while coping with public embarrassment and personal heartbreak.

About a month later, the groom reportedly attempted to reconcile, offering explanations that he “wasn’t ready” for marriage and had felt pressured into the commitment. His efforts, however, were rejected.

The marriage was subsequently annulled.

Sources indicate that the former couple, who share overlapping social and academic networks, now face awkward encounters at public gatherings.

Despite the ordeal, the woman has since moved on with her life. She is now married with three children, a development many observers have described as a testament to her resilience.

The story has sparked varied reactions online, with some users questioning the pressures surrounding early marriage and others pointing to the complexities that can exist behind seemingly ideal relationships.

The incident serves as a reminder, commentators say, that outward appearances of perfection may mask deeper personal uncertainties within relationships.

Bride Abandoned 24 Hours After Wedding as Groom Declares Marriage ‘a Mistake’

 

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Teen Murder Suspect Confesses, Reveals Chilling Details in Ikorodu Killing

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Teen Murder Suspect Confesses, Reveals Chilling Details in Ikorodu Killing

A murder suspect, Anthony Oghenetega, has confessed to his involvement in the killing of a teenager in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, providing chilling details that suggest the crime was carefully planned.

Oghenetega made the confession during an interview on Sahara TV, where he narrated how the victim was allegedly lured and attacked shortly after returning from writing an examination.

According to his account, the teenager had travelled to Epe to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination and was on his way back when he was deceived by an acquaintance. The suspect disclosed that the victim was persuaded to visit his apartment, where the attack was carried out.

He revealed that both he and an accomplice had prepared for the assault in advance, assembling weapons and materials before the victim’s arrival. Items allegedly used include chains, padlocks, a “Ghana-must-go” bag, a cutlass, and a stick embedded with nails.

The suspect’s statement indicates that the act was premeditated, raising further concerns about the nature and motive of the crime.

Police authorities in Lagos State have confirmed that Oghenetega is in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the incident. The case is being treated as a homicide, with investigators working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents of Ikorodu and beyond, with community leaders and civil society organisations calling for swift justice. Many have also urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance and preventive measures to curb rising violent crimes in the area.

Authorities have assured the public that all those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

 

Teen Murder Suspect Confesses, Reveals Chilling Details in Ikorodu Killing

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“No Calls, No Love”: Woman Shares Pain of Being Single at 50

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“No Calls, No Love”: Woman Shares Pain of Being Single at 50

A 49-year-old woman has stirred emotional reactions online after sharing her distress over remaining single and unmarried as she approaches her 50th birthday.

In a video posted on social media, the visibly emotional woman expressed deep frustration about her personal life, revealing that she has never experienced open romantic interest from a partner. According to her, no one has ever directly expressed love for her or indicated a desire to marry her.

She lamented what she described as a complete absence of communication typically associated with relationships, such as phone calls, text messages, or meaningful emotional connections. Comparing her situation with that of others, she questioned why her experience has been markedly different.

As her milestone birthday draws closer in June, the woman said the weight of her situation has become increasingly difficult to bear. She suggested that her prolonged singlehood might be linked to deeper underlying issues and indicated she may seek spiritual guidance in an attempt to understand her circumstances.

Her emotional outpouring has since sparked conversations on social media, with many users expressing sympathy, while others highlighted broader societal pressures surrounding marriage and age.

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“No Calls, No Love”: Woman Shares Pain of Being Single at 50

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