A former Port Manager of the Tin Can Island Port Complex, Mr Sylvester Egede, has strongly denied allegations of corruption, fraud and other illegal practices levelled against him in online publications, describing the claims as false, malicious and without factual or legal basis.
In a rejoinder issued through his solicitor, Christopher I. Thompson of Christopher I. Thompson & Co., Egede rejected the allegations in their entirety, insisting that the reports were a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.
According to the legal response, allegations of fraud and corruption are grave criminal matters that must be supported by credible and verifiable evidence, not speculation or conjecture.
The rejoinder specifically dismissed claims that Egede’s First Bank account recorded a one-time transaction of N511 million.
“Our client’s First Bank account, which was used for his salaries and related matters, has never held such turnover, let alone involving a one-time transaction of N511,000,000 as falsely reported,” the lawyers stated.
The legal team also denied allegations that Egede or members of his family were involved in any network of financial impropriety through either naira or dollar accounts, arguing that the published information was misleading and capable of deceiving the public.
The statement further clarified that Bon Appetit, a company mentioned in the reports, belongs to Egede’s wife and operates solely as a confectionery business.
“Dragging his wife and her private enterprise into the false reports is not only misleading but wicked and malicious,” the rejoinder said.
On allegations that Egede breached the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act by holding substantial interests in private companies operating in the maritime and logistics sector while serving as a public officer, the lawyers described the claim as factually incorrect.
They maintained that a simple search of records at the Corporate Affairs Commission would reveal the actual directors of the companies concerned.
The legal response also disputed claims regarding the movement of funds through Egede’s account, stating that the dates cited in the reports were false and misleading.
According to the lawyers, Egede had already retired from the Nigerian Ports Authority after 35 years of service before the alleged transactions were said to have occurred.
The rejoinder highlighted Egede’s record in public service, noting that during his tenure as Port Manager of the Tin Can Island Port Complex, he played a key role in clearing the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway corridor of indiscriminately parked articulated vehicles, making the route to the Lagos ports accessible around the clock.
It added that his performance earned him commendations and awards from stakeholders in the maritime industry.
While reaffirming Egede’s commitment to transparency and integrity, the legal team said he was willing to cooperate with any impartial and lawful investigation into the allegations.
However, it warned that any individual or organisation that continued to publish or circulate what it described as false allegations without credible evidence would face legal consequences.
“Our client reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies, including instituting civil proceedings for defamation, libel and malicious publication,” it added.
One Comment