A lawyer, Sabrina Ezeoku, has publicly apologised for spreading false information about a supposed raid on Bello el-Rufai’s residence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello is the son of Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.
The controversy began on December 5 when Ezeoku made shocking claims on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
She alleged that EFCC operatives had stormed Bello’s home in Kaduna.
Her post included details that $800 million, N700 billion in cash, and drugs worth N1 trillion were discovered during the operation.
The statement quickly gained traction online, fueling rumors and speculation.
However, the EFCC promptly dismissed the report, branding it as entirely false.
In a swift rebuttal, Bello also condemned the claims, calling them “fake news.”
He announced plans to pursue legal action against those behind the fabrication.
“This is nothing but a blatant lie,” Bello said in a statement.
He stressed that such falsehoods not only damage reputations but also create unnecessary distractions.
On Tuesday, Ezeoku issued a formal letter of retraction and apology to Bello.
She admitted that the information she shared was unverified and inaccurate.
“I hereby retract the post I made on X on December 5, where I claimed a raid occurred at Bello el-Rufai’s residence,” the letter read.
Ezeoku expressed deep regret for her actions, acknowledging the harm caused.
“I wholeheartedly apologize for the post,” she wrote.
She admitted that she did not confirm the story before posting and that her attempts to verify it later proved futile.
“I have since discovered that the statement is completely false,” Ezeoku added.
She extended her apology not only to Bello but also to his family and the Federal House of Representatives, where Bello serves as a member.
“I never intended to offend, embarrass, or harm your reputation,” she wrote.
The apology has sparked conversations about the dangers of misinformation, particularly on social media.
Observers have noted the ease with which unverified claims can go viral, leading to reputational damage.
The EFCC also used the opportunity to emphasize its commitment to professionalism and transparency in its operations.
“We urge the public to disregard such baseless reports and verify information from credible sources,” the agency said in a statement.
Bello’s legal team has not yet disclosed whether they will proceed with legal action despite the apology.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing trend of misinformation targeting public figures.
Critics argue that these false narratives often serve political or personal agendas.
For Bello, the ordeal underscores the challenges of navigating public service amidst a climate of online scrutiny.
This controversy serves as a cautionary tale about the power and consequences of social media.
Ezeoku’s retraction is a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.
As Nigerians grapple with the challenges of digital media, this case highlights the need for responsible communication.
