Police Declare Human Rights Lawyer Edward Omaga Wanted Over Alleged Defamation Of GTB CEO
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has declared Edward Ejembi Omaga, a lawyer and civil rights activist, wanted for allegedly defaming the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Limited, Segun Agbaje.
The announcement was made via the NPF’s official Facebook page by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, December 30, 2024.
Omaga is accused of publishing allegations of misconduct against GTB and its CEO, Segun Agbaje, calling for an investigation into the company’s actions. The police claim the allegations constitute criminal defamation, cyberbullying, economic sabotage, and conduct likely to disturb public peace.
According to Adejobi, the police issued an initial letter on October 10, 2024, inviting Omaga for questioning at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja. A follow-up letter on October 25 reminded Omaga that his failure to appear was stalling the investigation.
The Force PRO stated:
“You are reminded that the office still awaits you for the interview with the Commissioner of Police, General Investigation section, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at room 110, Ground Floor, General Investigation, Force Criminal Investigation Department office complex, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.”
The police have now urged the public to assist in locating Omaga, asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station immediately.
The allegations and the police’s actions have sparked discussions about the balance between free speech and defamation laws, as well as the use of law enforcement in corporate-related disputes.
