News
CSOs applaud Tinubu’s reported sack of Ojulari, demand arrest over alleged N34.6bn NNPCL fraud
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including OilWatch Nigeria (OWN), Workers’ Rights Alliance (WRA), and Concerned Citizens, has voiced strong support for President Bola Tinubu regarding the reported removal of Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
During a press briefing held near the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition accused Ojulari of causing significant harm to Nigeria’s economy and eroding public trust in governance.
Emmanuel Ekpeyong of OilWatch Nigeria, Danladi Usman of Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Babatunde Anifowoshe of Nigeria Concerned Citizens spoke on behalf of the coalition.
They stated, “We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Ojulari to ensure accountability for his egregious actions, which have robbed Nigerians of their collective wealth and future.”
Describing the alleged dismissal as timely and necessary, the group commended Tinubu for what they described as a decisive action against corruption.
“This bold decision demonstrates the President’s commitment to rooting out corruption and restoring integrity to Nigeria’s vital oil sector. By acting swiftly, President Tinubu has sent a clear message that his administration will not tolerate economic sabotage or a betrayal of public trust. This action aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which promises transparency, accountability, and prosperity for all Nigerians. We applaud the President for prioritizing the interests of the nation over those of a corrupt few and urge him to maintain this momentum by ensuring justice is fully served,” the CSOs said.
The organizations also praised the EFCC and other security agencies for their prompt actions, which reportedly included preventing Ojulari from fleeing the country by confiscating his passports and issuing a red alert at airports.
“These actions ensure that Ojulari cannot escape accountability for his alleged crimes, including the ₦34.65 billion scandal. We commend the professionalism of our security forces and encourage them to continue their resolve as they pursue a thorough investigation and prosecution of Ojulari and his accomplices,” the coalition stated.
They also expressed plans to engage the international community regarding this issue.
“To further safeguard justice, OilWatch Nigeria, Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Concerned Citizens will submit formal letters to the US Embassy, EU Delegation, and UK High Commission in Nigeria by Friday, August 8, 2025, urging them to impose a travel ban on Bayo Ojulari and his known associates,” they added.
Additionally, the group urged President Tinubu to go beyond the reported dismissal by ordering the immediate reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which they consider vital to the country’s economic future.
“We call on our dear President Tinubu, whose love for Nigeria has been demonstrated through this action, to take further steps by ordering the immediate reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery. Reviving this critical asset will restore Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, create jobs, and benefit millions of Nigerians. It is the height of economic sabotage to keep this refinery closed due to one man’s desire to sell it to his allies as scrap and divert its crude oil allocation to cronies for personal gain.”
The coalition also demanded that the EFCC expedite Ojulari’s prosecution for the alleged ₦34.65 billion scandal, crude oil diversion, and other corrupt practices. “Justice must be swift and transparent to deter future economic sabotage,” they concluded.
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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