Neo Akpofure Denies Assault Claim and demands public retraction, warning of defamation suit over social media allegation
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Neo Akpofure has denied a sexual assault allegation made against him on social media and threatened legal action, demanding a public retraction and apology from the accuser.
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The allegation surfaced on Tuesday, 17 February, when a woman using the X handle @notralia accused Neo Akpofure of rape, claiming the incident occurred during their time as students at the University of Calabar.
The woman alleged that both parties had previously agreed to a friends-with-benefits arrangement on the condition that neither would enter a relationship.
According to the post, the accuser claimed she later discovered Neo Akpofure was involved in a relationship, confronted him at his residence and was subsequently assaulted.
In response, lawyers representing Neo Akpofure issued a strongly worded denial, describing the accusation as “entirely false, malicious and defamatory”.
The legal team said the claim had exposed their client to public ridicule and reputational harm.
In a letter dated 18 February 2026 and issued by the law firm E.L. Akpofure, SAN & Co., the solicitors accused the X user, identified as Ms Arikan Udoka, of publishing defamatory material.
“The allegation falsely portrays our client as a sexual offender and a criminal, thereby subjecting him to public odium, reputational injury and emotional distress,” the letter stated.
The firm demanded that the post and any related publications be deleted immediately, alongside what it described as an unambiguous public retraction and apology acknowledging that the claims were untrue.
The lawyers also requested a written undertaking that no further defamatory statements would be made.
The notice warned that failure to comply within 48 hours would result in legal proceedings, including a civil defamation suit under Nigerian law.
As of Thursday, the accuser had not publicly responded to the legal notice.
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The development has sparked intense debate online, with supporters and critics weighing in as the dispute escalates.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
