• Accuse Fisayo Soyombo of Peddling Bias Using Faceless Blogs
• Says Legal Action Against Defamation Continues Unabated
Accountability Hub, a civic advocacy group promoting responsible governance and ethical journalism, has condemned ongoing attempts to malign the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, and Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun (IBD Dende).
In a statement signed by Comrade Prince Effiong and released to newsmen on Monday, the group accused journalist Fisayo Soyombo of leveraging obscure blogs to perpetuate falsehoods after a court order restrained him from publishing defamatory content. They also called out Akelicious.net for repeatedly disseminating unverified and malicious reports against targeted public officials.
The statement responded to a recent article titled “Fisayo Soyombo Exposes Alleged Corruption in Customs Boss’ Appointment”, describing it as a continuation of a pattern of bias-driven narratives designed to mislead the public. The publication, attributed to a nameless author writing “from Abeokuta,” was cited as evidence of poor journalistic standards and a deliberate avoidance of accountability.
It read; “Credible journalism demands truth, accountability, and fairness,”.Akelicious.net has consistently acted as a tool for spreading unsubstantiated claims, much like Mr. Soyombo’s earlier work, which the courts have found defamatory. This is not journalism; it is character assassination disguised as investigative reporting.”
“May we emphasize that the claims linking IBD Dende to CG Adewale’s appointment are without basis, Dende is neither a customs officer nor in any position of influence over federal appointments. May we also clarify that the persistent misrepresentation of a viral video involving IBD Dende, has been falsely interpreted to suggest undue influence.”
The group however, praised CG Adewale’s achievements since assuming office, including technological advancements, improved border management, and enhanced professional standards, urging the public to judge leadership based on performance, not unfounded rumors.
“The focus should be on CG Adewale’s reforms, which have improved customs operations and national revenue generation, not on baseless personal attacks. Any attempt to link his appointment to external influence lacks factual support,” the statement asserted.
Reiterating the importance of professional ethics in journalism, Accountability Hub expressed disappointment at the disregard for truth and fairness exhibited by both Fisayo Soyombo and Akelicious.net. It warned of the dangers of manipulating public perception through irresponsible reporting.
“Journalism is a noble profession rooted in truth, accuracy, and objectivity. We call on all media practitioners to uphold these principles and desist from being instruments of disinformation. Nigerians deserve better than biased narratives fueled by hidden agendas,” Comrade Effiong added.
Finally, the statement reaffirmed IBD Dende’s commitment to seeking justice through legal means, dismissing claims that he intends to withdraw his defamation case. It called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject propaganda aimed at discrediting reform-minded public servants.
