Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has stirred controversy by demanding N100 million from the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) as compensation for alleged defamation.

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This demand follows FIJ’s publication of investigative reports detailing financial irregularities within the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs).

In response to FIJ’s reports, Orelope-Adefulire, through her legal representatives at Muiz Banire & Associates, issued three pre-action letters to FIJ personnel: reporter Daniel Ojukwu, FIJ’s Board of Trustees Chairman, and FIJ’s founder, ‘Fisayo Soyombo.

The letters demanded the retraction of the articles and a payment of N100 million within 14 days to avoid a N500 million lawsuit against all parties involved.

However, FIJ has staunchly defended its investigative work, asserting that the publications are factually accurate and serve the public interest in transparency and accountability.

In a rebuttal by Slingstone Law, representing FIJ, led by Abimbola Ojenike, it was stated that there is no basis for liability as the publications are grounded in truth and investigative rigour.

“The investigative report is the result of a meticulous investigation into irregularities in procurement processes at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs),” asserted Slingstone Law.

“Our clients uphold ethical standards in reporting on matters of public interest.”

The legal response from FIJ’s counsel also condemned the alleged involvement of Orelope-Adefulire’s office in the abduction and detention of Daniel Ojukwu by the police.

It highlighted ongoing legal challenges to the misuse of state power to suppress press freedom, referencing a case before the Federal High Court, Lagos (Suit No: FHC/L/CS/804/24: Daniel Ojukwu v. Inspector General of Police & Ors).

FIJ’s original investigative pieces on OSSAP-SDGs raised significant concerns about financial transactions and contracts awarded by Orelope-Adefulire’s office.

One report highlighted payments totalling N147.1 million to a restaurant for educational projects, which were allegedly untraceable on the ground.

Another report detailed payments to companies without evidence of executed contracts, raising questions of financial accountability.