Three former managing directors of Nigeria’s top 3 refineries have demanded ₦50 billion from a national newspaper, accusing it of defamation over a report that linked them to a ₦80 billion fraud scandal.
The former MDs, Ibrahim Onoja (Port Harcourt Refining Company), Efifia Chu (Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company), and Dr Mustafa Sugnugun (Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company) through their lawyer, Reuben Atabo, SAN, issued a five-day ultimatum demanding a full retraction, public apology, and damages.
Rejection of Every Fraud Allegation
Furthermore, Mr Atabo, SAN, categorically dismissed the newspaper’s May 3 publication titled “Authorities Trace N80bn to Ex-MD as $3bn Fraud Rocks Nigerian Refineries.” They argued that the story falsely claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested and investigated them for mismanaging $2.96 billion meant for refinery rehabilitation.
Atabo confirmed that only Dr Sugnugun received a routine EFCC invitation. He emphasized that Onoja and Chu never faced questioning or investigation.
“No ₦80 billion exists in any of our clients’ accounts. No charge, arrest, or legal action ever occurred,” Atabo stated.
The Demand of Swift Retraction or Legal Action
Also, the legal team demanded the media house publish an unreserved apology and a complete retraction across five major national newspapers and five international platforms. They claim the article gravely damaged the reputations of the ex bosses of the 3 Refineries.
They warned that failure to comply within five days would trigger legal action in Nigeria and overseas jurisdictions.
“We will pursue full legal redress for this reckless publication,” Atabo declared.
Condemn the Story’s Harmful Impact
Furthermore, Atabo accused the media house of inciting public anger, damaging their clients’ careers, and endangering their safety. Atabo stressed that the article created hatred, ridicule, and suspicion toward the 3 Refiner(ies) ex-MDs.
“The report irresponsibly blamed our clients for Nigeria’s fuel crisis and misled the public without evidence,” he added.
Defence of Their Professional Records
According to the lawyer, all three former MDs built their careers with integrity and competence. He insisted that the defamatory claims attempted to erase their decades of public service.
“They rose to the top of their profession through merit, not corruption. This false report attempted to erase that,” he concluded.