The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from The Punch and Daily Times newspapers over what it described as a “false, malicious and defamatory” report linking its Managing Director,Samuel Ogbuku, to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a letter issued through its legal representatives, Adedipe and Adedipe Legal Practitioners, and signed by Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, the Commission condemned the publications, insisting that the claims were entirely fabricated and devoid of any factual basis.
According to the letter, the reports had alleged that Dr. Ogbuku was arrested by military intelligence for allegedly co-sponsoring a failed coup attempt against the Federal Government and that he purportedly transferred funds from NDDC contracts to finance the plot.
Adedipe stated unequivocally that, “Dr. Ogbuku categorically denies these baseless claims. He has not been arrested, invited, or interrogated by any authority in connection with any alleged coup plot or financial misconduct. The publication represents a gross violation of journalistic ethics, as no attempt was made to contact or verify the story with him or the NDDC before its release.”
The Commission lamented that the “reckless and damaging report” had caused Dr. Ogbuku and his family severe emotional distress and reputational harm, with friends, associates, and colleagues inundating him with calls of concern.
Consequently, the legal notice demanded that The Punch and its editor, Awwal Owolabi, as well as The Daily Times, take the following actions within seven days of receiving the letter: Retract the defamatory publication from all print, online, and social media platforms; and Publish a written apology in at least four national dailies and five consecutive editions of The Punch, including its digital outlets.
The Commission further warned that failure to comply with the demands would compel Dr. Ogbuku to institute both civil and criminal proceedings in accordance with the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024) and other applicable laws.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, transparency, and regional development, the NDDC called on the public to disregard the false report and rely solely on verified information from its official channels.
“The NDDC reiterates its dedication to the development of the Niger Delta region and the stability of Nigeria,” the statement said.
