Former NPA Port Manager, Sylvester Egede, Denies ₦511m Fraud Allegations, Describes Report as Malicious Smear Campaign

Secrets Reporters

Former Port Manager of the Tin Can Island Ports Complex, Mr. Sylvester Othuke Egede, has denied allegations of corruption, fraud and other illegal practices levelled against him by an online media platform, describing the claims as false, defamatory and devoid of factual or legal foundation.

In a statement issued through his legal counsel, C. I. Thompson Esq., Egede dismissed the allegations in their entirety, insisting that the publication was a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation after what he described as over three decades of meritorious service at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Recall that earlier in June, SecretsReporters published an investigative report titled, “Uncivil Criminal: Tin Can Island Port Manager Sylvester Othuke Egede Diverted Over ₦511 Million in Public Funds Through Family Members and Proxy Companies,” alleging that Egede orchestrated the diversion of more than ₦511 million in suspected public funds through personal bank accounts and companies allegedly linked to his close relatives.

According to the statement, the allegations of fraud and corruption against Egede were not supported by verifiable evidence, despite being serious criminal accusations which, under Nigerian law, require proof beyond reasonable doubt.

The statement specifically denied claims that Egede’s First Bank account was used for a one-time transaction of ₦511,000,000 or any amount close to that figure. His counsel stated that the account had been operated for personal and related matters over the years and had never recorded such a transaction.

«”Our client’s First Bank account, which was mentioned, has been the account he has operated over the years for his personal and related matters, and it has never held such turnover, let alone involving a one-time transaction of ₦511,000,000.00 or anything close to that, as falsely reported,” the statement read.»

The legal team also denied allegations linking Egede or any member of his family to a network of financial impropriety involving naira or dollar-denominated accounts, describing the publication as misleading and capable of deceiving the public.

Addressing claims concerning Bon Appetit Company, the rejoinder stated that the company is a confectionery business owned by Egede’s wife and is engaged solely in cake production, catering services and related client orders. It maintained that the company has never been involved in any other line of business.

The statement described the inclusion of Egede’s wife and her private business in the report as misleading, malicious and unwarranted.

Reacting to allegations that Egede violated the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act by allegedly holding substantial interests in private companies operating in the maritime and logistics sector, the statement described the claim as factually incorrect.

According to his counsel, a simple search of records at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) would reveal the directors of any registered company, noting that such records are publicly accessible, including to members of the media.

The statement further denied the dates cited in the report as periods during which funds were allegedly transferred from Egede’s account, describing them as false and misleading.

According to the statement, Egede was no longer in the employment of the Nigerian Ports Authority at the time the alleged transactions were said to have occurred. It stated that he had retired from the Authority after serving for 33 years and attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.

The statement also defended Egede’s record as Port Manager of the Tin Can Island Ports Complex, stating that it was during his tenure that the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway corridor leading to the Apapa and Lagos ports was cleared of articulated vehicles that had obstructed the route for years.

His counsel further claimed that Egede resisted attempts by corrupt individuals who allegedly offered him inducements to allow articulated vehicles to continue parking indiscriminately along the corridor, suggesting that the publication may have been motivated by interests dissatisfied with his reforms.

«”It could interest members of the public to know that it was during the tenure of our client as Port Manager of the Tin Can Island Ports Complex that the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway corridor leading to the Apapa and Lagos Ports was cleared of all articulated vehicles that normally parked haphazardly and blocked the route,” the statement said.»

The statement added that available records showed Egede introduced significant improvements within a short period as Port Manager, making the corridor accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It further stated that he received several accolades and awards from stakeholders in the maritime industry in recognition of his performance while in office.

Egede’s legal counsel maintained that his client values transparency and integrity and remains willing to cooperate with any lawful and impartial investigation into the allegations.

However, the statement stressed that Egede would not allow his professional and personal reputation to be undermined by what it described as a calculated smear campaign.