Ex-Tin Can Port Manager rejects corruption claims, threatens defamation suit
Maureen Aguta
Former Port Manager of the Tin Can Island Port Complex, Sylvester Egede, has strongly refuted allegations of corruption, fraud and financial impropriety published in online reports, describing the claims as false, malicious and devoid of any factual or legal foundation.
In a formal rejoinder issued through his solicitor, Christopher I. Thompson of Christopher I. Thompson & Co., Egede rejected all the allegations, insisting they were a calculated attempt to damage his reputation and years of public service.
According to the legal response, allegations of fraud and corruption are serious criminal accusations that must be supported by credible and verifiable evidence rather than speculation or conjecture.
The rejoinder specifically denied claims that Egede’s First Bank account received a one-off transaction of ₦511 million, stating that the account had never recorded such a turnover.
“Our client’s First Bank account has been the account he has operated over the years for his personal and related matters and has never held such turnover, let alone a one-time transaction of ₦511,000,000 or anything close to it as falsely reported,” the statement said.
Egede’s lawyers also dismissed allegations that he or members of his family operated a network of naira and dollar accounts used for financial impropriety, describing the reports as misleading and capable of deceiving the public.
They further clarified that Bon Appetit, a company referenced in the reports, is owned by Egede’s wife and operates strictly as a confectionery business.
“Dragging his wife and her private enterprise into the false reports is not only misleading but wicked and malicious,” the legal team stated.
Responding to claims that Egede violated provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act by allegedly holding substantial interests in private maritime and logistics companies while serving as a public officer, the lawyers described the allegation as factually incorrect.
According to the rejoinder, a simple search of records at the Corporate Affairs Commission would reveal the actual directors and owners of the companies mentioned.
The legal response also challenged claims regarding the movement of funds through Egede’s bank account, insisting that the dates cited in the reports were inaccurate and misleading.
It maintained that Egede had retired from the Nigerian Ports Authority after 35 years of service before the alleged transactions were said to have taken place.
Highlighting his career in public service, the lawyers said Egede, while serving as Port Manager of the Tin Can Island Port Complex, played a pivotal role in clearing indiscriminately parked articulated vehicles from the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, helping restore unhindered access to the Lagos ports.
The statement added that his performance earned him several commendations and awards from stakeholders in the maritime industry.
While reaffirming Egede’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the legal team said he remained willing to cooperate with any impartial and lawful investigation into the allegations.
However, it warned that any individual or organisation that continues to publish or circulate what it described as false and unsubstantiated allegations 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,” the statement added.