FUOYE threatens to sue publishers over cybercrime allegations against VC
Federal University Oye-Ekiti Threatens Legal Action Over Alleged Cybercrime Reports
OYE-EKITI, Nigeria — The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), announced it is considering legal action against media organizations and publishers following reports that linked its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, and other officials to alleged cybercrime activities.
In a statement released to journalists on Tuesday, the university criticized what it calls repeated efforts to damage the reputation of both the Vice-Chancellor and the institution through publications that, in its view, presented unsubstantiated allegations as factual.
The statement, signed by Registrar Mufutau Ibrahim, indicated that the university’s legal team is currently reviewing the reports and will formally reach out to the publishers to demand explanations and credible evidence supporting their claims.
FUOYE warned that should these publishers fail to provide satisfactory responses or verifiable evidence, the university may proceed with legal action, which could include both civil and, where applicable, criminal proceedings.
The university emphasized that Professor Ogunwole has not been found guilty in any court of unlawfully intercepting communications, accessing electronic information, or tampering with communication devices. It also categorically denied accusations that the Vice-Chancellor hacked into anyone’s telephone or intercepted private communications.
According to the statement, the controversy involved an audio recording that had already circulated publicly prior to the university management’s awareness. FUOYE clarified that neither the institution nor Professor Ogunwole was responsible for the creation or dissemination of the recording.
The university noted that the matter subsequently led to an administrative review in which individuals connected to the incident were asked to provide explanations. Professor Ogunwole’s involvement arose solely from his responsibilities as Vice-Chancellor, as the university maintains there is no record indicating he unlawfully obtained, recorded, or altered anyone’s private conversations.
