The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has dismissed reports alleging that its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, was arrested for purportedly financing a failed coup plot against President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Commission, in a statement issued on Thursday night by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, described the reports as “false, malicious, and defamatory.”
According to the statement, Dr. Ogbuku was neither arrested, invited, nor questioned by any security or intelligence agency over any alleged coup plot or financial misconduct.
The NDDC, through its legal counsel, Adedipe and Adedipe Legal Practitioners, demanded that The Punch and Daily Times newspapers retract the publication and issue a public apology within seven days or face legal action.
The letter, signed by Chief Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), described the reports as baseless fabrications lacking factual or evidential support.
“The publication falsely claimed that Dr. Ogbuku transferred funds from NDDC contracts to sponsor a coup plot. These allegations are completely untrue and defamatory,” Adedipe stated.
He further noted that no effort was made by the concerned media outlets to verify the story or seek clarification from Dr. Ogbuku or the NDDC before publishing.
“The false report has caused Dr. Ogbuku and his family immense emotional distress, embarrassment, and reputational damage, as friends and associates have expressed shock over the claims,” the statement read.
The Commission’s legal team demanded an immediate retraction and a written apology to be published in at least four national newspapers and five consecutive editions of The Punch, including all associated online and social media platforms.
Failure to comply within seven days, the statement warned, would lead to both civil and criminal proceedings under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024) and other applicable Nigerian laws.
The NDDC urged the public to disregard the false reports and rely solely on verified information from the Commission’s official communication channels.
Reaffirming its mission, the Commission reiterated its commitment to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, the promotion of peace and stability, and adherence to transparency and accountability in public service.
