News
Groups Apologise To FIRS Chairman, Admits Corruption Allegations Against Adedeji Unfounded
…Groups commend his exceptional leadership and reforms at FIRS
Joel AJAYI
A coalition of nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has tendered a public and unreserved apology to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, after new findings and clarifications cleared him of all allegations of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office earlier circulated during a protest.
The apology followed a recent protest by the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD) at the National Assembly, where the group had accused top FIRS officials of financial misconduct. After a thorough review and verification of their claims, the coalition acknowledged that the allegations were unfounded and based on unverified information.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the leaders of the CSOs expressed deep regret over the embarrassment caused to Dr Adedeji, his family, and the FIRS as an institution, noting that the earlier protest was misguided.
The statement was jointly signed by: Dr. Emeka Mbonu, President, Organisation of Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria; Chief (Mrs) Osondu Chinelo, Convener, Citizens Right International; Dr. Oluaseun Ayotomiwa, National Coordinator, Advocacy for Good Governance; Amb. Eyitayo Olukayode, Coordinator, Centre for Leadership and Educational Development; Hajia Zainabu Mohammed, Convener, Africa Patriotic Development Mission
Others are, Dr. Usman Aliyu Yahaya, Executive Director, Zero Tolerance and Anti-Corruption Network; Princess Doubra Abadi-Ingobo, Coordinator, Network Against Poverty in Africa Campaign; Eduvie Samuel Efe, Executive Director, Campaign Against Corruption International; and Comrade Otokpa Echechofu Philip, Convener, Network for Advancement of Democracy in Africa.
“We have now confirmed that the information we relied upon during the protest was inaccurate and not properly verified,” the coalition stated.
“We sincerely apologise to Dr Zacch Adedeji for any harm, embarrassment, or misunderstanding caused by the claims in the protest statement. We equally commend his exemplary leadership, integrity, and the reforms he has championed at the FIRS.”
Since assuming office over two years ago, Dr Zacch Adedeji has repositioned the Federal Inland Revenue Service as a model of transparency, innovation, and professionalism. His tenure has been defined by visionary reforms, fiscal discipline, and the digital transformation of Nigeria’s tax system.
Under his leadership, the FIRS has consistently surpassed its revenue targets. In 2023, it generated ₦12.36 trillion against a target of ₦11.55 trillion, and in 2024, the agency collected ₦21.7 trillion, exceeding its ₦19.7 trillion projection. Between September 2023 and August 2025, the Service realised ₦46 trillion in total tax revenue, representing 115 per cent of its combined targets.
These achievements were driven by innovative reforms, enhanced staff productivity, and the introduction of technology-driven tax solutions that improved compliance and reduced leakages.
Under Adedeji’s leadership, the FIRS launched several digital tools, including TaxPro-Max, e-Invoicing, and USSD tax payment services, automating over 80 per cent of manual processes and simplifying taxpayer engagement.
He also introduced the National Single Window Project, which harmonises government revenue processes and enhances trade facilitation at ports. In addition, the creation of One-Stop-Shop offices nationwide has improved accessibility and reduced bottlenecks for taxpayers.
Dr Adedeji’s management style is anchored on service, accountability, and inclusion. He prioritises taxpayer satisfaction, vendor relations, and staff welfare, creating a culture of transparency and excellence within the Service.
“We are committed to fair tax administration through responsive and accessible service to optimise revenue for national development,” Dr Adedeji has consistently affirmed.
Beyond meeting revenue goals, Dr Adedeji has focused on increasing Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10.8 per cent to 18 per cent, aligning it with the African average. His administration has also strengthened non-oil revenue streams, reduced dependence on crude oil, and enhanced the country’s economic resilience through data-driven fiscal strategies.
The coalition appreciated Nigerians for their understanding and reaffirmed its dedication to promoting accountability and justice. It also pledged that its future advocacy efforts would be guided strictly by verified and factual information.
“We now clearly recognise that Dr Adedeji’s leadership of the FIRS has been one of integrity, innovation, and excellence. We hereby withdraw our earlier claims in their entirety and extend our sincere apology to him and the institution he leads,” the statement concluded.
As Dr Zacch Adedeji continues his reform-focused stewardship at the FIRS, many Nigerians and development stakeholders have commended his tenure as a shining example of effective public service and transparent governance.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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