Bamidele Atoyebi, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, has initiated legal proceedings against an online media outlet, FIJ, along with owners of Dukiya Investments Ologolo Lekki, Lagos, Messrs Lukman Shobowale and Bayo Lawal, for defamation and breach of contract.
The lawsuit marked LD/7277ADR2024 Bamidele Lateef Atoyebi v Lukman Shobowale &2Ors filed at the Lagos State High Court, follows a damaging article by FIJ falsely accusing Atoyebi of deploying Nigerian Army personnel to harass Shobowale and Lawal.
Expressing his dismay at the timing of the accusations amid the nation’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Atoyebi has vehemently denied the allegations and seeks redress through the legal system.
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Atoyebi is seeking a declaration from the court that FIJ’s publication is defamatory, urging an order for the defendants to collectively pay a substantial sum of 900 million Naira in damages. Additionally, he demands a court order compelling the defendants to publish apology letters in seven major dailies, rectifying the harm caused by the libelous publication.
Atoyebi in a chat with newsmen, further alleged cyber bullying and blackmail, requesting the court to compel each defendant to pay him 300 million Naira, totaling 900 million Naira. The businessman claims these actions have caused significant harm to his reputation and well-being.