From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja.
The Managing Director, CEO of PFTN Nig. Ltd, Ambassador Gabriel Onoja, has dragged Sahara Reporters to court, over alleged false publication against him, demanding the sum of N100million as damages.
Amb. Gabriel Onoja, who is also the president Enemona humanitarian foundation, disclosed this at a press conference held on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Enemona ,who was represented by Barrister Salifu Oguche Usman of Rise Andrew Adejoh and Co, a firm of solicitors, said , the story carried by Sahara Reporters on March 31st 2022, on his client has debased his image and character which has caused him colossal loss.
He said in the particular publication Titled: “Kogi Deputy Governor’s Business partner defraud Mr. Olawole of #530M,” condemned the publication in its entirety, describing it as false, malicious and injurious to his reputation and businesses.
Barr. Salifu Oguche said his firm has given notice to Sahara Reporters since 10th May, 2022 demanding them to retract the publication and caused it to be published in three National newspapers.
He added that a letter of reminder was also sent to him through DHL with the acknowledgement of receipt on 26th May, 2022 , and still failed to do the needful.
He however, said after waiting for reasonable time to retract the story, his firm has no option than to file a suit in court against the online publication .
According to him ”Following the failure to retract the story which has caused damages and affected the image and businesses of our principal, we were left with only option to institute legal action against Sahara Reporters to claim
N100m for damages.
He noted that the Sahara Reporters missed the point by linking his name to that of Kogi State Deputy Governor Edward David Onoja for its similarity , insisting, that at no point he was into business relationship with him.
While berating Sahara Reporters for not doing due diligence and verification before publishing its story, explained that the Managing Director, CEO of PFTN Nig. Ltd, was at no time a front.
While accepting that Ambassador Gabriel Onoja was into legal business relationship With Olewole, with an agreement to make monthly returns on investment to the tune of twenty Eight million, which he has consistently paid up to 31st January, 2022.
He, however, lamented that in February, 2022, the economic climate took a downward turn , which heavily affected coal business, owing to the cost of diesel.
He wonder why Mr Olawole should resort to extrajudicial means by dragging the police into the matter , who harassed, intimidated him to a point of kidnapping him from his house in Lokoja.
Recalled that Ambassador Gabriel Onoja was abducted on 31 March 2022 in a commando style by men believed to be members of Nigeria police force NPF.
