A named party in the NNPC Managing Director’s robbery incident which cost her $6million in cash and jewelry, has reacted to claims that she introduced the cook responsible for the theft to the NNPC boss.
Ms Toke Benson, the named party, in reaction to the claim that she introduced the suspected thief, Gabriel Segbedji to the NNPC boss, Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue has released an official statement which reads:
“I write in respect of a publication by “Sahara Reporters” of 2nd November 2016 available online at http://saharareporters.com/2016/11/02/chef-nnpc-managing-director-esther-ogbue-absconds-6m-cash-and-jewelry with the caption; Chef of NNPC Managing Director Esther Ogbue absconds with $6m In Cash And Jewelry.
In the above referred publication, Sahara Reporters falsely reported as follows:
“Segbedji is said to have been recommended for employment to Mrs. Nnamdi-Ogbue by a close friend of hers, Toke Benson.”
I do not know any of the persons/individuals mentioned in the publication. I also did not recommend the said Mr. Gabel Segbedji or any other person(s) to Mrs. Esther Nnamdi – Ogbue or any other person(s) for employment. All of these show that the publication suggesting a relationship between her and the parties involved is indeed patently false.
By the words quoted above in their natural and ordinary meaning, Sahara Reporters meant and were understood by the public to mean that:
i. I am a close friend of a public officer whose lifestyle is inconsistent with her legitimate earnings;
ii. I recommended an alleged thief for employment hence my judgment is unreliable and cannot be trusted.
This report is substantially unfounded, very untrue and I want the public to totally disregard it.”
Recall that Sahara Reporters had in its report said that the NNPC boss did not lodge complaints with the police in order to avoid attention as she was already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).