News
Alleged Libel: Dende Egungbohun demands retraction, N5 billion damages from Arise
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Legal representatives of Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun have issued a formal notice to Arise Television regarding a documentary aired by the network on or about February 23, 2024.
By the notice, they demanded a retraction of the report and payment of five billion Naira in general damages following what they described as a libelous portrayal of Egungbohun.
In the letter addressed to the Chairman/Chief Executive of Arise Media Group, solicitors representing Egungbohun, chambers of Bola Aidi, SAN, highlighted several allegations made against their client in the documentary.
These, they said, included branding him as a notorious smuggler, Ilaro’s biggest smuggler, and insinuating his evasion of prosecution due to his connections to powerful figures.
Furthermore, the documentary, they said, alleged that IBD International Hotels in Ilaro were constructed with proceeds from smuggling activities and accused Egungbohun of multiple arrests for smuggling, including gun smuggling.
The legal notice asserted that the documentary’s content implied that Egungbohun was involved in arms smuggling and had evaded justice due to his alleged connections within society, including politics and the media.
The notice also accused Arise Television of utilizing the documentary as a tool for propaganda, aimed at tarnishing Egungbohun’s reputation and businesses, and potentially coercing legal action against him.
The letter criticized Arise Television for disregarding journalistic ethics by recruiting faceless individuals to level allegations under the guise of investigative journalism.
It argued that the implications of these accusations extended to branding Egungbohun as a supporter of terrorism, banditry, and armed robbery.
Furthermore, the legal representatives highlighted the detrimental effects of the documentary on Egungbohun, including social ostracization and damage to his businesses, particularly IBD International Hotels Ltd.
They thus demanded a retraction of the documentary and an apology to be aired daily for the next 30 days, alongside payment of five billion Naira in damages.
The legal notice concluded by setting a two-week deadline for Arise Television to meet the demands, failing which legal action would be pursued against the organization.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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