LandWey Investment Limited, a Nigerian-based residential developer, has issued a threat to sue the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) and its publisher, Fisayo Soyombo, for ₦1 billion. LandWey claims that FIJ and Soyombo published libellous and unfounded articles against the company and its CEO.
In a letter dated June 30, 2023, LandWey’s legal counsel, Godwin Omoaka (SAN), stated that FIJ and Soyombo had made false accusations through news articles and tweets, alleging that LandWey was involved in a fraudulent real estate “ponzi scheme” aimed at defrauding unsuspecting investors. The company also accused FIJ and Soyombo of attempting to intimidate journalists and restrict press freedom.
The letter addressed a series of injurious publications and tweets by FIJ and Soyombo between February 2022 and March 2023, which LandWey claimed were designed to tarnish the company’s reputation. LandWey argued that the recent publications on June 29 and 30, 2023, were particularly defamatory and intended to inflict maximum damage on the company’s reputation. The company asserted that the words used in these publications suggested that LandWey was fraudulent and engaged in a real estate scam, while also attempting to intimidate journalists and suppress press freedom.
LandWey’s legal advisers demanded the immediate removal of the offending publications, as well as a retraction and apology in two national newspapers from FIJ and Soyombo. They further requested that FIJ and Soyombo provide proof of compliance with these demands by sending an email to the undersigned confirming the removal of the libellous content from their website and any other platforms where it was circulated.
The letter warned that if LandWey did not receive confirmation of compliance within 14 days, they would initiate legal action at the High Court of Lagos State. The company stated that it would seek ₦1 billion in general damages for the harm caused by the libellous publications, along with costs of the legal action on a full indemnity basis and 21% post-judgment interest per annum on any awarded sums.
LandWey referred to the High Court of Lagos State (Expeditious Disposal of Chill Cases) Practice Directions No. 2 of 2019 and requested a response from FIJ and Soyombo within 14 days from the date of the letter.
The letter concluded by expressing hope that wise counsel would prevail in resolving the matter.
The Guardian reached out to FIJ and Mr Soyombo, but they did not respond immediately for comment.
Read the content of the letter from LandWey’s attorneys below:
