Tejuosho to Online Platforms: Retract False EFCC Story or Face Legal Action
From Khadija Abdullahi, Kaduna
Prominent Abuja-based businesswoman and philanthropist, Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, has issued a strong demand for full retractions and public apologies from several online news platforms over what she described as a coordinated and defamatory publication falsely linking her to an arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In separate letters dated June 25 and 26, 2025, her legal representatives—Law Corridor—accused First Weekly Magazine, Ivory NG, Mega News Nigeria, News Online Nigeria, and TheMomentNG.com of publishing unverified and malicious reports that, according to her, have seriously damaged her reputation and professional standing.
The reports alleged that Dr. Tejuosho had been arrested for impersonating an aide to the National Security Adviser and defrauding individuals through forged appointment documents. They further claimed that a court had recommended her prosecution for offences including Advance Fee Fraud and Criminal Breach of Trust.
Through her legal team, Dr. Tejuosho categorically denied all allegations, describing the publications as “deliberate falsehoods” aimed at tarnishing her image. Her lawyers maintained that there is no record of her arrest, indictment, or any court recommendation against her in relation to the alleged offences.
The legal petition emphasized that Dr. Tejuosho has never been involved in any fraudulent activity and has always conducted her business within the boundaries of the law.
Her counsel also noted that the reports were published without due diligence or any effort to verify the claims or offer her the right of response. They stated that the resulting reputational damage has been severe, with the businesswoman receiving numerous distressing calls and messages from associates and clients who were misled by the reports.
The legal demands include:
•Immediate retraction of the false stories;
•A formal written apology to be published on the websites of the implicated platforms and in three national newspapers;
•Payment of ₦100 million as compensation for damages to her reputation, business interests, and emotional well-being.
Failure to meet these demands within 24 hours, the lawyers warned, would result in legal action, where Dr. Tejuosho intends to pursue ₦1 billion in general, aggravated, and punitive damages against each media outlet.
As of the time of filing this report, none of the media organisations mentioned had issued a retraction or responded publicly to the allegations and demands.
