The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, threatened legal action demanding N1 billion in damages from an online news platform, Naija OnPoint, following a publication that accused the institution of severe financial impropriety. Through her legal representative, Mrs Ogunsola issued an ultimatum requiring the media outlet to pull down the report, issue a formal retraction, and tender an apology within 48 hours of service.
The formal demand letter, dated 29 October and signed by Taiwo Osipitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Bayo Osipitan & Co., targeted a report headlined “Citadel of Criminals: Under VC Folashade Ogunsola, UNILAG Staff Pocketed N397million In Irregular Payments While N434million In Cash Advances Went Unretired”. Although cited as being on Naija OnPoint's website and social channels, the piece was originally produced by Secrets Reporters as part of an investigative series scrutinising financial governance at the federal institution.
What did the investigative report allege regarding the university's finances?
The underlying investigation by Secrets Reporters detailed several fiscal anomalies, claiming that university personnel received N397.5 million in irregular disbursements alongside N434.8 million in unretired cash advances. Furthermore, the report alleged that N355.6 million lacked supporting documentation, N178 million went toward unapproved staff allowances, and inventory records showed missing store items valued at N121.7 million.
Additional claims in the series pointed to N116.4 million in disbursements breaching federal e-payment guidelines, N82.9 million issued in excessive cash advances, unverified international travel grants, and omitted contract disclosures on public procurement portals. Investigators also alleged that UNILAG failed to remit N3.89 billion in internally generated revenue and spent N7 billion on unverified contracts during the tenure of the current vice- chancellor.
How did the vice-chancellor's legal team respond to the publication?
Mr Osipitan argued that the story wrongfully linked his client to administrative infractions allegedly committed by unidentified employees, portraying her as an unprincipled leader who permitted public fund diversion. He emphasised that while Mrs Ogunsola supports accountability and public interest journalism, she strongly refutes fabricated claims that impair her professional standing.
Invoking statutory provisions under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, the legal counsel warned that failure to comply with the 48-hour retraction window would prompt litigation and potential criminal referrals. The proposed legal pursuit outlined N500 million in general damages, N500 million in exemplary damages, a declaration of defamation, and perpetual restraining orders against further circulation.
How was the dispute resolved by the media platform?
Following the legal notice, Naija OnPoint's lead publisher, Anthony Balogun, confirmed that the article had been expunged from the website, X, and LinkedIn. Mr Balogun explained that the content was syndicated from Secrets Reporters rather than produced via an internal investigation, adding that communication regarding the takedown had been officially relayed to the vice- chancellor's legal team to close the matter.