A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Philip Agbese, has taken legal action against his former aide, Benard Oche Ekwote, alleging defamation and seeking damages amounting to N500 million over what he described as the publication of falsehoods against him.
The controversy stems from claims made by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance, who alleged that Hon Agbese attempted to obstruct an investigation related to the Nigerian government’s crackdown on cryptocurrency activities.
Agbese, however, categorically denied these allegations, stating that his legal action against Gambaryan was not an attempt to stop any investigation but rather a necessary step to protect his credibility and integrity as a national legislator.
Reacting, Ekwote, in a post on his Facebook page, claimed that Agbese was economical with the truth in his response.
Ekwote stated: “Bcos petitions are already coming frm CSOs to NASS to set up an ad-hoc com’tee to probe d $150m bribery allegation, they quickly rush to court to tie down d case & buy time, to avoid probe & embarrassment by d House. We all know dat d House can’t probe a matter dat is b4 a court. Smart move!! [sic].
“My Opinion: he shut himself in the leg and exposed himself through that press statement, while quickly trying to defend himself…..Wetin I sabi sef? Wetin don cast, don cast — maga no gree pay… Racket burst.”
According to Agbese, the allegations made by his former aide, which he considers baseless and damaging, have the potential to tarnish his integrity and standing in the public space.
Agbese refuted claims that he went to court in an attempt to halt any investigation against him, clarifying that his decision to seek legal redress was purely to safeguard his reputation as a national parliamentarian and scholar.
“I did not go to court to stop any investigation. That is a baseless claim. My decision to seek legal action is to protect my name and reputation as a lawmaker and a scholar,” Agbese stated.
“Falsehoods should not be weaponized to tarnish one’s image, especially when one has dedicated his life to public service.”
He is, therefore, among other things, seeking: “AN ORDER of this court ordering the Defendant to publicly retract the said words/post and apologize to the Claimant for the injurious and libelous words/post published on his @Jubril Ben Oche Ekwote Facebook account on 14th and 15th February 2025, concerning and touching on the Claimant for seven (7) days continuously and in two (2) national newspapers, particularly The Punch and Daily Trust.”
“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant to forthwith delete the said libelous and defamatory words/post from his @Jubril Ben Oche Ekwote Facebook account of 14th and 15th February 2025, concerning and touching on the Claimant, and from all social media platforms where they exist or are published.”
“General damages in the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000.00) for the injuries suffered from the said publication.”
Agbese further stressed that his role as a public officeholder demands a high level of trust and integrity, which he is determined to uphold. He noted that instead of allowing false narratives to fester, he took the necessary legal measures to challenge and correct the misinformation.
Defamation: Benue Rep, Agbese seeks N500m damages from ex-aide over ‘publication of falsehood’
