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Renowned Nigerian businessman, Engr. Boniface Okoli, has publicly refuted widespread social media allegations linking him to a criminal transaction controversy involving a government agency. Okoli, who was reportedly said to have been arrested, described the entire claim as a calculated smear campaign aimed at damaging his personal and professional integrity.

In a weekend statement and while speaking with journalists in Lagos, Okoli expressed deep concern over the spread of what he termed “false and malicious accusations.”

“My attention has been drawn to allegations and a charge sheet circulating on social media suggesting my involvement in a purported impersonation,” he said. “I am disturbed to hear this unfounded, false, malicious, and trumped-up allegation against me.”

Okoli explained that what began as an idle rumour had grown into a major source of harassment, with friends, family, and business associates bombarding him with calls and visits.

“The rumour which started as a child’s play assumed a worrying dimension when telephone calls, text messages, and visits to my business places and residence by friends and family became unbearable,” he lamented. “I tried to trace the possible sources of the rumour but could not. I later learnt that the information was trending on Facebook.”

Okoli recently visited his home state, where he reassured his supporters of his determination to get to the bottom of the matter. “While I have consistently chosen to ignore such baseless attacks, the growing concern expressed by family, friends, and associates from across the globe has compelled me to address these unfounded claims,” he stated.

Defending his track record, Okoli said his years of hard work and dedication to business excellence remain beyond reproach. “My stellar reputation, built over years of impeccable trust, cannot and will not be tarnished by these false allegations and incorrect charges,” he emphasized.

Addressing the substance of the allegations, Okoli clarified that the issue was previously investigated by the Nigeria Customs Service, and the investigation found no incriminating evidence against him.

“The matter in question was investigated by the Customs and nothing incriminating was found against me as erroneously speculated,” he said. “Since then, I have not been contacted again on the matter and I have remained willing to support and cooperate with law enforcement if required.”

Okoli also expressed shock at the sudden resurfacing of the claims on social media. “What is baffling is that a matter which occurred and was thoroughly investigated—where I established my innocence and non-involvement in any transaction controversy—has now resurfaced in social media in the form of criminal prosecution. This is beyond my imagination,” he said.

He further stated that no formal charge, court summons, or invitation from any investigative agency has been issued to him since the earlier investigations were concluded.

“I am readily available anytime in Nigeria to have my day in court whenever I am summoned to defend my reputation and clear my name,” Okoli assured. “I have also directed my legal counsel to initiate a lawsuit or pursue other legal remedies on my behalf.”

Okoli concluded by thanking his family, friends, and business associates for their continued support, vowing to vigorously defend his name and reputation against what he described as a deliberate and damaging campaign of misinformation.