25/05/2026
RE: DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE RETRACTION, AND PUBLIC APOLOGY OVER DEFAMATORY ATTACK
Dear Mrs. Bisi Bello Mustapha,
Bisi Bello Mustapha
We write on behalf of the Editorial Board and Management of BlackBox Nigeria concerning your publication and circulation of defamatory statements against our media organisation in relation to our report titled: “Lagos APC Primaries: Desmond Elliot, Gbolahan Ogunleye, Femi Saheed lose reelection bids.”
It has come to our attention that you deliberately published and circulated a screenshot of the aforesaid report with the inscription “FAKE NEWS” superimposed on it across several social media platforms, including but not limited to WhatsApp groups; “The Factor Parliament” and “Ikorodu 4 Asiwaju,” as well as other online platforms accessible to members of the public.
Your actions conveyed the false and damaging impression that BlackBox Nigeria knowingly disseminated false information to the public. This is defamatory, malicious, and injurious to the hard earned reputation and professional integrity of our organisation, which has, for over 17 years, maintained a record of credible, balanced, and responsible journalism.
Contrary to your assertions, the report in question was factually accurate and based on verified information arising from the All Progressives Congress primary elections conducted across Lagos State on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Subsequent confirmations have now been made which the officially released list of successful aspirants by the leadership of the APC in Lagos as published on The Nation Newspaper of Monday, May 25, 2026 (Page 31).
Your use of the words “FAKE NEWS” in reference to our report constitutes a false representation capable of lowering the reputation of BlackBox Nigeria in the estimation of right-thinking members of society, exposing our organisation to public ridicule, distrust, and reputational harm.
TAKE NOTICE therefore that we hereby demand the following within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of this letter:
1. An immediate withdrawal and retraction of all defamatory publications made against BlackBox Nigeria;
2. A written public apology acknowledging that the publication labelling our report as “Fake News” was false and misleading;
3. Publication of the said apology and retraction on all platforms where the defamatory content was shared, including your WhatsApp status, WhatsApp groups, page, and any other social media or public communication channels used by you for the dissemination of the defamatory material;
4. An undertaking that you shall cease and desist from any further defamatory statements or publications concerning BlackBox Nigeria.
Please be informed that failure or refusal to comply with the above demands within the stipulated period shall leave us with no alternative than to commence appropriate legal proceedings against you without further notice. Such proceedings shall include claims for defamation, reputational damages, injunctive relief, and all other remedies available under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yours faithfully,
For: Legal Unit, BBN360
BBN360
Publishers of BlackBox Nigeria and BBN Media Book Publishing (www.blackboxnigeria.com)
Organisers of Lagos Youth Awards (www.lagosyouthawards.com)
CC: All Progressives Congress, Lagos State
APCLagos
Gbolahan Ogundimu Odusanya
Kayode Badmus
