…Callous Targeted Negative Campaign Must Stop
… Here Are The Facts
By Mojeed Jamiu
Even after the court has denied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, its request for an arrest warrant, admonished all parties against media trial and acknowledged that Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, was never properly served and therefore adjourned the case till February 13, 2025, the callous, ceaseless and condemnable media attacks on his person has continued unabated.
But the furore of false allegations that have been deliberately made public are, and must, still be strongly refuted.
In case the purveyors of falsehood missed the point, at a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday January 20, 2025, it was confirmed that Dr. Oba Otudeko had not been formally notified of any filings (which relate to a transaction that took place at First Bank over 12 years ago).
Read that again: over 12 years ago!!!
And so one must express disappointment that these false allegations were deliberately made public, leading to an unfortunate media trial prior to being properly notified.
Thankfully, Dr. Otudeko looks forward to addressing this matter comprehensively and appropriately whenever the matter is called in court.
It is surprising that a commercial transaction, which was investigated by the EFCC and resolved eight years ago would resurface in 2025.
As the matter is before the court, one is restricted in commenting at length. However, it is important to reiterate his innocence and stand with him in vigorously refuting the callous allegations.
Is it not noteworthy that the curious timing of this attack and the targeted negative campaign that has followed are motivated by certain interests?
Of course the coordinated action is an attempt to distract from critical issues at hand: Dr. Otudeko’s expressed concern alongside other shareholders, regarding governance at FBN Holdings Plc and the “misguided initiation of a private placement” by the Board prior to the conclusion of a successful rights offering — a decision that seeks to disenfranchise over 1.2 million shareholders of FBN Holdings.
Dr. Otudeko has devoted 60 years of his professional career to Nigeria, a country he loves, creating jobs, driving investments, and positively impacting countless lives and remains passionate about the nation.
His unblemished record of integrity and service stands firm against these false allegations, and he will steadfastly defend his reputation.
An 81-year-old patriot with no skeleton in his cupboard will not run from defending his integrity, let alone taking a laughable route of escape. Dr. Otudeko travelled out, as he regularly does. How is this news?
His lawyers duly represented him in court and shall continue to do so in defending his integrity and protecting his name and investments whether those who are in mortal fear of him like it or not!!!
Mojeed Jamiu is a Lagos-based media and public relations practitioner.
