The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have issued strong legal warnings to an online news platform, demanding an immediate withdrawal of a report that claimed NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, was abducted and forced to resign.

The controversial article, published on August 2, alleged that top security officials acted on the orders of a close associate of the president to compel Ojulari’s resignation. The report also named DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, and a British-Nigerian oil executive, linking them to the alleged plot.

In separate letters sent through their legal representatives, both agencies described the publication as false, defamatory, and damaging to their reputations. The DSS, in a letter signed by counsel Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), accused the outlet of spreading an “unfounded and libellous” story that portrayed the agency as a tool for political intimidation. It demanded a public apology and full retraction from all platforms within 48 hours or face legal action under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.

Similarly, EFCC boss Ola Olukoyede, through lawyer Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), dismissed the claims as a “fabrication” aimed at undermining his integrity. He insisted the report falsely suggested he acted under the influence of a private individual, thereby betraying public trust. He also demanded the removal of the story from the outlet’s website and social media pages, warning that failure to comply would result in a defamation lawsuit.

Both agencies have made it clear that they will proceed with civil and criminal action if their demands are not met within the given deadline.