The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, has threatened to sue NaijaOnLevel for ₦1billion over a publication alleging that college employees acquired ₦397million in irregular funds whereas ₦434million in money advances remained unretired.
Ogunsola, by way of her solicitors, Bayo Osipitan and Co, demanded the elimination of the publication, a retraction and an apology inside 48 hours of receipt of a letter of demand.
The publication, titled: “Citadel of Criminals: Under VC Folashade Ogunsola, UNILAG Staff Pocketed N397million In Irregular Payments While N434million In Cash Advances Went Unretired,” appeared on NaijaOnLevel.com and the platform’s social media accounts on X and LinkedIn.
In the letter signed by Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, the vice-chancellor accused the writer of creating false and deceptive allegations that linked her workplace to alleged monetary infractions involving unidentified college employees.
The solicitors stated the report conveyed the impression that Ogunsola presided over and condoned the misappropriation of public funds, portraying her as a dishonest chief government overseeing an establishment populated by criminals.
The vice-chancellor denied partaking in, authorising, taking part in or knowingly facilitating any prison conduct or monetary impropriety.
According to the letter, she thought of the publication materially false, deceptive and injurious to her private {and professional} repute.
While acknowledging the significance of investigative journalism, truthful remark and accountable reporting on issues of public curiosity, the solicitors stated their shopper objected to what they described as baseless allegations and unverified conclusions introduced as established details.
The attorneys cited Nigerian legal guidelines on defamation and provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, as amended, arguing that the publication might entice authorized penalties.
They consequently demanded that NaijaOnLevel instantly take away the report from its web site and social media platforms, publish an unequivocal retraction and apology with prominence similar to the unique publication, and chorus from additional circulating the allegations.
The solicitors additionally demanded a written endeavor that the allegations wouldn’t be republished and that measures can be taken to stop additional circulation by the organisation.
The letter warned that failure to conform inside 48 hours of receipt would lead to civil proceedings towards the writer and different individuals thought of liable for the publication. It additionally threatened a referral to the suitable legislation enforcement company for investigation and potential prosecution.
Among the reliefs being sought are declarations that the publication is defamatory and maliciously injurious, an order compelling its elimination, and a perpetual injunction restraining additional publication of the allegations.
The vice-chancellor can be in search of ₦500million typically damages and one other ₦500million in exemplary damages, bringing the full damages claimed to ₦1billion.
The letter urged the writer to deal with the calls for with urgency and take the requested corrective measures.
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