False Accusations and Fabricated Claims: Unmasking the Truth

Allegations lack credible evidence or official documentation to support claims of telecom equipment theft.
No police or government investigation has been launched to validate the accusations.
The accusations are widely viewed as a politically driven smear campaign against Hon. Animashaun’s administration.

Allegations of vandalism and theft of federal telecom infrastructure worth N450 million leveled against Epe Local Government Chairperson, Hon. Princess Olayemi Surah Animashaun, and other council officials have been found to be politically motivated fabrications lacking substantial evidence.

Ekohotblog gathers that a recent article accused the Chairperson and her administration of orchestrating the unlawful removal and sale of telecom equipment.

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However, a thorough investigation reveals that these claims are riddled with inconsistencies, lack credible documentation, and appear to be driven by political rivalry.

When asked about the allegations, Hon. Animashaun dismissed them as baseless and malicious. “There is absolutely no truth in these accusations.

I have served Epe with integrity, and it is unfortunate that some individuals would resort to such fabrications to discredit our administration,” she stated.

Lack of Verifiable Evidence

A major flaw in the accusations is the absence of any official documentation proving the existence of the alleged telecom infrastructure.

If a federal project of such magnitude was indeed commissioned in 2005, there should be corresponding records from the Federal Ministry of Communications, NITEL, or PHCN. However, no such records have been presented.

Hon. Babalola, another official implicated in the claims, questioned the logic behind the allegations. “Where are the documents? Where is the evidence of procurement? Anyone can make claims, but facts don’t lie.

There is simply no record of this project under any federal or state government archive,” he asserted.

Contradictions and Political Motivation

One of the most glaring contradictions is the claim that two Mikano industrial generators were found behind Hon. Animashaun’s residence.

However, no forensic or legal evidence links the generators to the government, and no official report from relevant agencies has been cited.

A council insider, who requested anonymity, revealed that the allegations are part of a political smear campaign ahead of the next election. “This is nothing more than an attempt to tarnish the Chairperson’s reputation because she is seeking re-election.

Her opponents know they can’t defeat her based on performance, so they resort to blackmail,” the source said.

Absence of Legal and Law Enforcement Action

If the alleged theft truly involved N450 million worth of federal assets, such a case would have triggered investigations by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Police Force. However, there is no known police report, court case, or official government memo implicating the accused officials.

Legal expert Barrister Femi Adekoya warned about the potential legal consequences of spreading false information.

“Under Nigerian law, defamatory publications without evidence can lead to both civil and criminal liability. Those behind these false accusations may face legal action for libel and defamation of character,” he explained.

The Truth Prevails

A thorough review of the allegations confirms:

No verifiable ownership of the alleged telecom equipment by the federal government.

No official police or federal agency investigation supporting the claims.

No credible evidence linking Hon. Animashaun or any council official to theft or vandalism.