My attention, and that of the general public, has been drawn to a reckless, defamatory, and deliberately misleading publication by one Almaruf Salman of Ejuku, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, published in Democracy Newsline on April 4, 2026.
This is nothing but a desperate and failed attempt to drag my name, and my hard earned reputation into a web of falsehood, fabrication, distortion, and crude political manipulation.
Let me state this clearly, firmly, and without any ambiguity:
the claims attributed to me by Almaruf Salman are outright false, malicious, and deliberately designed to mislead the public while tarnishing my reputation as a respected businessman and community leader.
My position is simple and unmistakable:
I am not a politician. At no time did I authorize anyone to speak on my behalf, fabricate endorsements, or associate my name with any political agenda whatsoever.
Any claim to the contrary is a blatant lie, driven by desperation, mischief, and a reckless disregard for truth.
Even more disgraceful is the laughable attempt to justify this falsehood with insinuations about the so-called “facilitation of a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser” as inducement.
Such a claim is not only insulting but exposes the complete bankruptcy of credibility behind this propaganda.
Let it be known:
leadership and public support in Yagba East are not commodities for trade, nor instruments for blackmail.
For the avoidance of doubt,
I have not endorsed any candidate for any election.
This goes beyond politics.
This is a calculated act of character assassination.
And it will be confronted decisively.
Accordingly, I demand the following without delay:
- An immediate and unconditional retraction of all defamatory statements issued by Almaruf Salman.
- A full and unreserved public apology to me.
- Publication of this apology in at least five (5) national newspapers within seven (7) days from the date of this notice.
Failure to comply within this timeframe will leave me with no option but to commence legal proceedings to seek full redress, including substantial damages for defamation and reputational injury.
Let this serve as a final warning:
freedom of speech is not a license for falsehood, and political ambition is not immunity from accountability.
The people of Yagba East are discerning. They recognize truth when they see it and will not be deceived by desperate fabrications.
Truth does not bend. And those who attempt to twist it will face the full consequences.
Alhaji Ahmed Afobaje
MD/CEO
Afobaje Ventures Nig. Ltd.
