TDBusinessman Jesam Michael has strongly denied claims attributed to him in a recent Facebook publication by activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, describing the report as false, misleading, and a deliberate distortion of facts.
The disputed publication, dated 6 February 2026, was titled “I Spent Four Days at Kuje Prison in October 2025”, in which Sowore claimed to have held detailed discussions with Michael that allegedly implicated the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and other senior police officers in acts of corruption.
Michael, however, insists that the claims were entirely fabricated.
According to Michael: It is true that Omoyele Sowore was detained at the Kuje Correctional Centre from 24–27 October 2025.
It is also true that both men briefly met on 26 October 2025, in the presence of other inmates, at about 11:00 a.m.
The interaction lasted less than 20 minutes and did not involve any of the allegations later published by Sowore.
Michael: ‘The Allegations Are Entirely Fabricated’
Speaking in a memo made available to This Dawn, Michael categorically denied ever making statements that accused the IGP or senior police officers of providing him with operational support.
“I never made those statements to Omoyele Sowore or to anyone else. At no point did I accuse the Inspector-General of Police or any senior police officer of giving me offices, police units, or protection. Those claims are false and malicious,” Michael said.
He added that the brief encounter occurred when Sowore came to greet Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, with whom Michael shared the same block.
“There was no sitting down, no private discussion, and certainly no conversation about any fabricated story,” he stated.
Denial of Police Support and Property Claims
Michael also rejected claims suggesting that he “served” police officers or had law enforcement personnel acting on his instructions.
“I never said I supported police officers or had officers working for me. That allegation did not come from me,” he said.
He further dismissed claims that his properties were shared among senior police officers.
“At no time did I say that my properties were shared among police officers or anyone else,” Michael stressed.
Addressing another aspect of Sowore’s publication, Michael denied ever accusing retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Dasuki Galandanchi of collecting ₦250 million or participating in any alleged cover-up.
“I never mentioned DIG Dasuki Galandanchi, nor did I accuse him or anyone else of collecting money. That statement was never mine,” he said.
Allegation of Pressure to Indict the IGP
Michael further alleged that Sowore, through intermediaries, attempted to pressure him into publicly indicting the IGP.
“I was approached repeatedly through a lawyer called Marshall, allegedly acting on Sowore’s behalf, asking me to make statements against the IGP so an article could be published. I refused,” he said.
According to Michael, he believes the publication was retaliation for his refusal to be used in what he described as a personal vendetta.
“If they have issues, they should leave me out of it. I refused to be an instrument in Sowore’s hands,” he added.
Michael also questioned Sowore’s decision to label his company a Ponzi scheme, noting that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has refuted such claims.
“Why would Sowore call my company a Ponzi scheme when SEC has already refuted that?” he asked.
Legal Matters Before the Courts
Michael clarified that all business-related disputes involving him are already before the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court, Jabi, and are being handled by appropriate authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“My case is before the law. I will not make reckless allegations against individuals or institutions to gain sympathy or favour,” he said, expressing confidence that justice will prevail.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official response to either Sowore’s allegations or Michael’s rebuttal.
Michael said he is totally disgusted by what he described as false and malicious stories attributed to him and has fully dissociated himself from them.
“Joining Sowore in his pursuit of cheap blackmail against the IGP, senior police officers, or anyone else has never been and will never be part of me,” he said.
He concluded by urging Sowore to find “another willing tool,” stressing that he will not participate in what he described as political or personal vendettas.
