Ex-NNPC Refineries Bosses Sue Newspaper for ₦50bn Over Defamation Claims
Three ex-managing directors from NNPC refineries are seeking ₦50 billion in damages from a national newspaper. They allege that a report wrongly associated them with an ₦80 billion fraud scandal, amounting to defamation.
Through their attorney, Reuben Atabo, SAN, the former managing directors—namely Ibrahim Onoja of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, Efifia Chu of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Dr. Mustafa Sugnugun of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company—issued a five-day ultimatum. They are requiring a full retraction, a public apology, and compensation for damages.
Mr. Atabo, SAN, refuted the allegations in the newspaper’s May 3 article entitled “Authorities Trace N80bn to Ex-MD as $3bn Fraud Rocks Nigerian Refineries.” He stated that the article inaccurately reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had apprehended and investigated him for allegedly mismanaging $2.96 billion intended for refinery rehabilitation.
He said, “No ₦80 billion exists in any of our clients’ accounts. No charge, arrest, or legal action ever occurred.”
The legal team has insisted that the media house issue a full apology and retract the article without any reservations. This must be done through five leading national newspapers and five international media outlets. They assert that the article severely harmed the reputations of the former heads of the three refineries.
They cautioned that not adhering to the requirements within five days would initiate legal proceedings in Nigeria and other foreign jurisdictions.
Atabo declared, “We will pursue full legal redress for this reckless publication.
“The report irresponsibly blamed our clients for Nigeria’s fuel crisis and misled the public without evidence.
“They rose to the top of their profession through merit, not corruption. This false report attempted to erase that.”
