– Describes it as false, baseless, malicious, character assassination plot
Daniel Kanu, son of the millionaire businessman and industrialist Mazi M.O. Kanu, has reacted to a publication that Ugezu .J. Ugezu, reportedly posted on his Facebook page.
Daniel Kanu, in a release he issued described the said publication by Ugezu, which according to him, has gained traction across multiple online platforms as fabricated falsehood aimed at denting his image and assassinating his character.
The release reads in part, “My attention has been drawn to a patently false, malicious, and defamatory publication authored and circulated on Facebook by Ugezu J. Ugezu. The said publication, which has since gained traction across multiple online platforms, contains egregious fabrications, including the reckless claim that I was arrested, prosecuted, convicted, and imprisoned in the early 2000s. This claim is entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to assassinate my hard-earned reputation.
For the avoidance of doubt, I have never been arrested, charged, tried, or convicted of any criminal offence in Nigeria or in any other jurisdiction worldwide. At no point in my life have I been imprisoned. The allegations published by Mr. Ugezu are therefore not only inaccurate but constitute a grave distortion of facts and a calculated act of defamation”.
According to him, while Ugezu may have the moral inclination to caution young Nigerians against political sycophancy, such intent, assuming it exists, does not justify the dissemination of falsehoods or the reckless destruction of another person’s reputation.
“Why he chose me as a case study in that narrative is not only inappropriate but demonstrably dishonest”.
He noted that his involvement during the General Sani Abacha era was purely based on his conviction at that time that initiatives such as Vision 2010 had prospects for youth empowerment. Hence, he has no apologies for his role in advocating what he believed was in the best interest of Nigerian Youths. “Besides, such historical participation should not be retrospectively weaponized through fabricated allegations”.
“Beyond politics, I remain a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist with substantial business interests both in Nigeria and internationally. I have consistently contributed to national development through investments worth hundreds of millions of naira, as well as through structured youth empowerment programmes, community development initiatives, and sustained support for the less privileged.
In response to this malicious publication, I have formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, detailing the willful, malicious, and criminally defamatory nature of Mr. Ugezu’s actions. The petition also highlights elements of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, in line with relevant provisions of Nigerian law. I can confirm that the appropriate authorities have acknowledged receipt of the petition and have commenced necessary investigative actions.
I am fully prepared to pursue this matter to its logical conclusion, including instituting civil and criminal proceedings against Mr. Ugezu and any other parties found to have participated in the dissemination of these falsehoods. This is not merely about personal redress but about setting a firm precedent against the growing culture of misinformation and reputational abuse on digital platforms.
I therefore call on members of the public to disregard entirely the false and misleading claims contained in Mr. Ugezu’s publication. These assertions lack any factual basis and should not be given credibility by reasonable and right-thinking individuals.
Furthermore, I urge bloggers, influencers, and public commentators to exercise due diligence and verify information rigorously before publishing content that could harm reputations. The digital space must not become a for reckless speech, unverified claims, and character assassination disguised as social commentary.
I remain an outstanding citizen, a committed nation-builder, and a respected figure whose contributions to youth development and societal progress speak far louder than the false narratives currently being circulated. I will continue to defend my name, my legacy, and the truth with every lawful means available”.
