Ibrahim Egungbohun, a Customs licensed agent known as IBD Dende, has filed a lawsuit against investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, and the Arise Media Group. In the suit filed through his legal team led by Mr. Bola Aidi (SAN), Egungbohun denies allegations of being a top smuggler and smuggling bullets and guns to the eastern part of Nigeria, which were shared on social media platforms.
Egungbohun, also known as IBD Dende, highlighted his legitimate business activities as a Customs Licensed Agent and owner of IBD Impex Limited. He emphasized his contributions to various sectors, including clearing and forwarding of goods, construction, agriculture, real estate, and oil and gas. Additionally, he underscored his reputation as a philanthropist and socialite with established relationships with prominent figures, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.
The lawsuit alleges that defamatory posts and publications tarnished Egungbohun’s reputation and caused him loss of goodwill. He cited instances where he was wrongly accused of smuggling illegal items, leading to a public outcry and an open letter from his traditional monarch, the Eselu of Iselu in Ogun State. Egungbohun seeks redress, including retractions of the libelous statements, apologies, restraining orders, and monetary compensation totaling N5 billion in general damages and N10 million to cover legal costs.