Ogun state-born businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Arise Media Group (the owner of Arise Television), journalist Fisayos Soyombo, and his online platform, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), regarding allegations of smuggling and gun running made against him in their reports.
In the lawsuit marked: CV/2286/24, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by his legal representative Bola Aidi (SAN), Egungbohun contested the reported claims by Soyombo, FIJ, and Arise TV, which portrayed him as a significant smuggler and gun runner.
Egungbohun argued that a series of publications by Soyombo and FIJ, through their online platform and micro-blogging site, labeled him as the largest smuggler and gun runner in the South West region of the country. He also claimed that they accused him of smuggling guns and bullets to the South Eastern part of Nigeria.
Additionally, Egungbohun accused Arise Media Group of broadcasting the defamatory reports on its “Morning Show” program.
The claimant asserted his diligence and success in business, highlighting his connections with influential figures such as Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. He emphasized that he does not hold any political office that could influence government appointments.
Egungbohun is seeking legal redress, including a restraining order against further publications, N5 billion as general damages, N10 million as litigation costs, and a public retraction and apology from the defendants across their platforms.
The case is pending a scheduled hearing date.