A member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, has made a serious accusation against his former aide, Ajayi Samuel Crowther, accusing him of forgery and impersonation. Onuakalusi, who represents the Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency in Lagos, has called for immediate police action to investigate the allegations.
The accusation was made through a formal petition submitted by Onuakalusi’s legal team, Okpoko SAN and Associates, addressed to the Divisional Police Officer at the National Assembly Complex. The petition alleges that Crowther forged Onuakalusi’s signature and impersonated him in an attempt to deceive officials and secure benefits under false pretenses.
For Onuakalusi, the news came as a shock. In his petition, he stated that he first learned of the incident in April 2024 when he received an unexpected message from the Embassy of the Republic of Taiwan. The embassy had requested the Nigerian lawmaker to authenticate a letter purportedly written by him. The letter allegedly nominated Crowther for a training opportunity in Taiwan, a privilege that Onuakalusi had never approved.
“I was dumbfounded and agitated when I received the message from the Embassy,” Onuakalusi said in a statement. “I never wrote such a letter, nor did I sign any document related to that nomination. It was a complete fabrication, and I am deeply disturbed by this breach of trust.”
The letter that Crowther allegedly forged was purportedly written on Onuakalusi’s official letterhead and bore his signature. According to the petition, Crowther’s actions were not only dishonest but criminal, showing a “clever and criminal” attempt to deceive both the Nigerian authorities and international agencies.
“To have someone go as far as forging the letterhead and signature of a legislator is the height of impunity,” Onuakalusi continued. “I call on the police to take this matter seriously and conduct a thorough investigation. The person responsible for this must face the consequences of his actions.”
The lawmaker’s petition includes a request for Crowther to be invited by the police for questioning regarding the forged letter. Onuakalusi has also asked the police to investigate whether Crowther had engaged in similar fraudulent activities in the past, potentially writing other forged letters to various agencies both within Nigeria and internationally.
Onuakalusi expressed concern over the broader implications of Crowther’s actions. “If this type of behavior goes unchecked, it could undermine the trust between elected officials and the people we serve,” he said. “It could also damage the integrity of the legislative process itself.”
The petition calls for a full investigation into the matter, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for such offenses. It also urges the authorities to probe whether Crowther has used similar tactics to manipulate or deceive other government institutions, both at home and abroad.
This accusation has sent shockwaves through both the political and legal communities, drawing attention to the issue of corruption and fraud within political circles. The seriousness of the allegations highlights the potential consequences for individuals who use their position for personal gain or to exploit the trust of their employers.
“I am committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case,” Onuakalusi stated. “This is not just about protecting my reputation, but also about protecting the integrity of the democratic system that we all hold dear.”
Meanwhile, the accused, Ajayi Samuel Crowther, has yet to publicly comment on the allegations. It remains to be seen whether he will cooperate with the investigation or challenge the accusations in court.
The unfolding case has sparked discussions about the role of aides and personal staff in the operations of public office holders. Many lawmakers and political observers are watching closely, as the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how such accusations are handled in the future.
As of now, the police have yet to make any public statements regarding the investigation, but sources within the National Assembly have indicated that the matter is being taken very seriously. The investigation is expected to unfold in the coming weeks, and the public will be closely watching how authorities handle this case of alleged forgery and impersonation by a former aide.
For Onuakalusi, the matter is personal. “It’s a betrayal,” he said. “I trusted him, and he abused that trust. Now it’s up to the authorities to ensure that justice is done.”
