A recent article circulating in media circles has accused Epe Local Government Chairperson, Princess Olayemi Surah Animashahun, and other officials of looting and vandalizing federal government telecom infrastructure worth N450 million. The allegations suggest a well-organized theft of vital communication equipment, linking officials to an unlawful sale of assets.
However, upon careful analysis and verification of facts, it becomes evident that these claims lack substantial proof and appear to be politically motivated fabrications aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Chairperson and her administration.
This investigative report seeks to debunk these baseless allegations, presenting factual contradictions, legal inconsistencies, and the absence of credible evidence supporting the claims.
Lack of Verifiable Evidence:
No Official Records of the Alleged Infrastructure.
A key element missing from the accusations is any official documentation confirming the presence of the supposed telecom masts, industrial generators, and other high-value items.
If a federal government project of such magnitude was commissioned in 2005, there should be official records in the Federal Ministry of Communications, NITEL, or PHCN verifying its existence. However, none have been presented.
Unsubstantiated Claims About Ownership:
The report claims that Hon. Safin Olukorede Are, a former council boss, initiated the project. However, there are no federal or state procurement records showing that such a project was formally approved or executed in Epe.
Without verified ownership, it is impossible to claim that the alleged items belong to the federal government.
Absence of Physical Evidence Linking the Chairperson:
The article alleges that two Mikano industrial generators were found behind the residence of Princess Animashahun.
However, there is no photographic, forensic, or legal documentation proving that these generators belong to the government.
The so-called investigative team claims to have visited multiple ministries and agencies but fails to cite any official response from these authorities.
Contradictions and Inconsistencies:
No Proof of Direct Involvement:
The allegations against Princess Animashahun, Hon. Babalola, and others rely solely on hearsay and unnamed “sources.”
There is no police report, court case, or government memo officially implicating the accused individuals.
Illogical Sequence of Events:
The claim that a telecom mast was deliberately pulled down for scrap metal contradicts standard federal security protocols.
Federal infrastructure projects, especially communication masts, are monitored by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and security agencies to prevent vandalism.
Mysterious Buyer and Missing Goods:
The article claims that stolen items were sold to a scrap dealer for N4.5 million, yet the supposed buyer remains anonymous and untraceable.
The investigative team admits they failed to locate the original buyer, undermining the credibility of their accusations.
Political Motivation and Smear Campaign:
Election-Driven Propaganda:
Princess Animashahun bid for a second term has been met with strong opposition from rival factions. The allegations seem to be part of a coordinated smear campaign to derail her political aspirations.
The article itself acknowledges that efforts were made to keep the matter out of the public domain through payments, which suggests an attempt to manufacture a scandal rather than expose genuine corruption.
Failure to Follow Due Process:
If these allegations were true, why has no official police or EFCC investigation been launched?
Any theft involving N450 million worth of federal assets would trigger an immediate federal investigation rather than remain an obscure media narrative.
Legal Standpoint and Defamation Risks:
Potential Libel and Defamation Case:
Publishing unverified claims against public officials without concrete evidence is a clear case of defamation.
Princess Animashahun and her administration have the legal right to pursue damages against those spreading false information.
Possible Criminal Consequences for Misinformation:
Under Nigerian law, spreading false allegations with intent to harm a person’s reputation is a criminal offense.
If the so-called investigation lacks factual backing, legal action could be taken against those responsible for publishing and distributing these accusations.
The Truth Prevails:
Upon thoroughly analyzing the claims, it is clear that:
No verifiable federal government ownership of the alleged items exists.
No official police or federal investigation supports the allegations.
No credible evidence links Princess Animashahun and her officials to any act of vandalism or theft.
The allegations are likely politically motivated to damage the Chairperson’s re-election bid.
Unless verifiable documentary evidence, police reports, or official government statements confirm these claims, they should be regarded as malicious falsehoods aimed at discrediting the leadership of Epe LGA.
Final Verdict: Baseless, politically motivated, and legally questionable.
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