EFCC Chairman Slams False Resignation Report, Demands Apology Over NNPCL CEO Rumours

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has categorically denied allegations that he coerced the CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, into resigning—labeling the claims as baseless and defamatory.

Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari (Group CEO) NNPCL

In a firm statement released on Wednesday by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the Commission responded to a controversial article published by People’s Gazette, which accused Olukoyede of forcibly detaining Ojulari in Abuja and pressuring him to step down from his role at the helm of Nigeria’s state-owned oil giant.

According to the EFCC, these claims are entirely fabricated and intended to mislead the public and damage the integrity of its chairman. Olukoyede is demanding a full retraction and unreserved public apology from the platform within 48 hours.

“The imputations in your publication are so grave they cannot be overlooked,” his lawyer Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN) emphasized in a legal notice addressed to the publisher.

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede

The EFCC has made it clear that failure to comply will result in legal action, including a defamation lawsuit, to hold the outlet accountable for what Olukoyede described as an unjust attack on his personal and professional reputation.

While Bayo Ojulari’s resignation remains unconfirmed by NNPCL or the presidency, the embattled CEO made a public appearance on Monday at a Society of Petroleum Engineers event in Lagos. There, he delivered a speech urging African nations to invest in bankable energy projects to drive a sustainable energy future across the continent.

This unfolding media storm raises serious questions about the role of accountability and fact-checking in digital journalism, especially when unverified stories can cause reputational harm to high-ranking public officials.

As of now, neither Ojulari, the NNPCL, nor Presidency sources have issued any official statement regarding the purported resignation claims.

Key Takeaways:

• EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede debunks allegations he forced NNPCL CEO Bayo Ojulari to resign.

• Demands retraction and apology from People’s Gazette within 48 hours.

• Legal action looms if the media outlet fails to comply.

• The controversy reignites concerns over media ethics and responsible reporting.

Written by Boom RadioNG