The publication of September 10, 2025, titled “The Fallacy of ‘Barrister’ Bucknor: A Stain on the University of Abuja’s Name” is malicious, misleading and designed to tarnish the reputation of Babatunde Burknor. It is necessary to set the record straight and refute every allegation raised.

Babatunde Burknor is not an impostor. his scholarly contributions to the field of law are significant, His academic records are verifiable and speak for themselves. Any claim that there is no record of his qualification is completely false and defamatory. To this end, legal proceedings are underway and the concerned website that published the misleading, defamatory news will be duly served unless the false, malicious story is pulled down within 24 hours from today (Friday, 12th September, 2025)

To further establish the facts, Burknor, an academia is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law at the University of Abuja. His admission into the PhD programme in International Arbitration and Comparative Criminal Law for the 2023/2024 academic session is documented by an official admission letter issued by the University’s Postgraduate School, signed by the Registrar. This is verifiable proof that he is not just a professional, but also an active scholar in one of Nigeria’s most respected federal universities. The attempt to deny this reality is reckless and dishonest.

​It is also an indisputable fact that no one can gain admission to study a PhD in law at any reputable university in Nigeria without having a qualifying and satisfactory preliminary legal education.

The allegation that he parades a “fake legal firm” in Gwagwalada is also false. His metier is well defined and duly registered and operates within the framework of Nigerian law. To suggest otherwise without evidence is an attempt to mislead the public and an attack on his reputation.

The claim that he organized thugs and attacked the Student Union Government of the University of Abuja is another fabrication. Babatunde has never sponsored violence, nor has he threatened or assaulted students. He is a man of peace and a scholar who believes in dialogue and due process. These wild allegations are nothing but attempts to incite hatred against him.

On the issue of land, the truth is clear and documented. Plot 16, Phase III Neighbourhood Center, Gwagwalada — opposite the University of Abuja hostels — was lawfully designated by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) as a transit park in favor of the Gwagwalada Area Council. The Council, in turn, engaged the services of Osko Associates under a BOT contract to carry out the development. Copies of approval letters from the FCT Minister’s office dated November 24, 2016, June 20, 2020, and May 5, 2021, confirm this designation and the legality of the project. The claim that the land belongs to the University of Abuja is false, and the allegation that Burknor is attempting to “grab” university property collapses under the weight of these official approvals. His involvement has been strictly within the ambit of law, and any interference with this legitimate project has come from parties acting outside their authority.

It is regrettable that the Student Union Government (SUG) of the University of Abuja has been dragged into this issue by individuals who should know better. The SUG, whose mandate is to represent and protect the interests of students, has no jurisdiction over land allocation or development matters handled by the FCDA and the Area Council. Their interference, instigated by misrepresentation and external manipulation, has unnecessarily politicized a straightforward legal matter. Instead of focusing on student welfare and academic advancement, the SUG leadership has been misled into staging protests and lending its voice to false claims about land ownership. This unfortunate development has not only distracted from their true responsibilities but also wrongly implicated the University of Abuja in a matter that is entirely administrative and legal.

Equally untrue is the claim that Burknor issued death threats or incited violence against students. Such accusations are malicious inventions aimed at painting him in the worst possible light. Babatunde Burknor has no record of criminal conduct, nor has he ever been associated with threats to life.

Far from being a stain on the University of Abuja, he is in fact one of its proud ambassadors. As a current PhD candidate in Law, specializing in International Arbitration and Comparative Criminal Law, he is advancing scholarship in a vital field. His profile speaks volumes about his character and contributions:

Burknor is a seasoned businessman and respected contractor. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Law at the University of Abuja, where he has carried out extensive research in the field of law. He is a proud member of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators of Nigeria, reflecting his deep commitment to legal scholarship and the practice of arbitration.

Beyond his academic pursuits, he is also a passionate sports enthusiast. He is the founder and promoter of a feeder football team that bears his name, a board member of the FCT Football Association, and is actively involved in Likemind Football Club, where he supports the development of young talents in the sport.

As a philanthropist, he has consistently contributed to community development and social initiatives. His generosity and sense of responsibility have earned him recognition as both a dedicated family man and a community builder. In the real estate sector, Burknor has made a remarkable mark as one of the key developers who helped modernize the Gwagwalada Market, thereby boosting local commerce and shaping the urban landscape of the area.

Babatunde is widely regarded as a man of integrity, vision, and influence—qualities that have earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, associates, and the wider community.

In conclusion, every allegation raised in the said publication is false. Burknor remains remain a scholar and a man of integrity. The public is urged to disregard the baseless fabrications and treat them as the malicious lies that they are. His reputation stands untarnished by propaganda, we will in due course put them to strictest proof of all their allegations.

We strongly believed the news is sponsored and on our part decided to institute a legal action while the online platform where it was published is duly served unless the false, defamatory news is pulled down within 24 hours.

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