NUJ FCT Council to Sue Michael Ekamon Bassey for Defamation

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has concluded plans to initiate legal action against Michael Ekamon Bassey, also known as Ekp, for alleged defamation and the illegal detention of its staff member, Ifechukwud Irebony. In a statement issued on Thursday, the council, represented by Jide Oyekunle, emphasized that Bassey is neither a member of the NUJ nor an accredited visitor to the council's secretariat.

The allegations arose after Bassey reportedly approached Irebony for assistance in recovering a lost WhatsApp message on a mobile phone. Following this, on June 30, 2026, Bassey accused Irebony of fraud involving a transfer of 700,000 naira and reported him to the police, leading to Irebony's overnight detention.

The NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ik, stated that they would pursue legal proceedings against Bassey, describing the actions as defamatory and unlawful. Bassey has been barred from entering the NUJ FCT Council secretariat pending the resolution of the matter.