Businessman threatens IGP, others with N10bn suit over alleged defamation

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A Nigerian entrepreneur, Dr. Babafemi Fagite, has announced his intention to pursue a N10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for listing him and his associates as wanted persons in a police bulletin—despite the matter being the subject of ongoing litigation in multiple competent courts.

Through a legal notice issued by his attorney, Solomon Agada, Fagite condemned the publication as misleading, defamatory, and a blatant disregard for judicial proceedings.

He urged the police leadership to withdraw the notice and issue a public apology, warning that failure to do so would prompt legal action demanding N10 billion in damages from the IGP and any officers involved.

Fagite, along with Dr. Raymond Akintayo and Charles Obisike—directors of Cabota Energy Services Limited—were named in the police circular for various serious allegations, including conspiracy, terrorism, attempted murder, abduction, and the unlawful conversion of three gas-powered generators valued at more than N3 billion.

However, in a formal notice addressed to the IGP and copied to the Police Service Commission (PSC), dated September 23, 2025, the individuals described the bulletin as inaccurate and malicious. They emphasized that the root of the issue is a contractual disagreement related to a lease deal between two companies, not a criminal matter.

According to their counsel, several legal actions concerning the dispute are already before the Federal High Courts in Lagos and Abuja, as well as the Kogi State High Court. All of these courts have issued restraining orders, instructing both parties to maintain their current positions until the legal proceedings are concluded.

“The said complaint was and still the subject of ongoing litigation before the FHC, Lagos in suit No: FHC/L/CS/1994s/2024; FHC/ABJ/CS/1710/2024 and in Abuja equally, there are ongoing cases between the parties thus: Dr. Raymond Akintayo V Mr. Fortunatus Osuagwu and 5 others, in suit No: FHC/ABJ/441/2025; Dr. Jordan Femi Fagite V Mr. Fortunatus Osuagwu and 5 others in suit No FHC/ABJ/439/2025 and Egnr. Charles Obisike V Mr. Fortunatus Osuagwu and suit NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/440/2025.

“In all these suits, the courts have made preservative orders directing parties to maintain the status quo.

“It is deeply regrettable that, despite pending litigations and subsisting court orders, certain individuals with ulterior motives have misled sections of the Nigeria Police Force into publishing such an injurious declaration,” the notice read.

Fagite and his co-directors claim the notice has caused them significant reputational damage, interrupted business operations, and led to personal and professional distress both within Nigeria and abroad.

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In a separate communication to the PSC, the group accused Akin Fakorade, the Commissioner of Police heading the IGP Monitoring Unit, of defying court orders by endorsing the contentious notice.

They called on the Commission to carry out a thorough investigation into the conduct of the involved officers, take appropriate disciplinary actions, and enforce guidelines to ensure that police publications are not misused in civil disputes currently before the courts.

“The reckless declaration of Nigerian citizens as wanted persons on spurious and false allegations undermines public confidence in the police and erodes the credibility of the Force,” the petition stated.

The businessmen concluded by reiterating their dedication to legal due process and vowed to pursue justice through appropriate legal channels should the police fail to meet their demands.

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