Lagos High Court: WAEC Fadehan Injunction Granted Over Defamation

• The Lagos State High Court issued an interim injunction restraining WAEC employee Olanrewaju Fadehan from publishing defamatory statements against the examination body and its Director-General, Dr. Amos Dangut.
• Fadehan was also invited by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre for questioning regarding alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
• The legal actions follow Fadehan's viral videos alleging irregularities in 2026 WASSCE results and financial impropriety within WAEC management.
• WAEC and Dr. Dangut are seeking N825 million in damages and an order for Fadehan to retract his publications and issue a public apology.
• The injunction, issued by Justice Yetunde Adesanya in Suit No. LD/ADR/6656/2026, covers all forms of media and is valid for seven days unless renewed.

The Lagos High Court WAEC Fadehan injunction serves as a significant precedent for how organizations can respond to such challenges.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and its Director-General, Dr. Amos Dangut, have secured an interim injunction from the Lagos State High Court against one of its employees, Olanrewaju Fadehan, in a case alleging defamation. Simultaneously, Fadehan has received an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) for questioning regarding alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation. These actions underscore a swift and multi-pronged approach to address public statements made by the employee.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the interim order in Suit No. LD/ADR/6656/2026, specifically prohibiting Fadehan from publishing, broadcasting, circulating, or disseminating any material deemed "defamatory, maligning and/or injurious falsehood." This prohibition extends to statements concerning WAEC, its examinations, results, certificates, or Dr. Dangut's "character and/or integrity." The court's directive covers all formats, including video, audio, and written content, across various platforms such as YouTube and WhatsApp. The injunction is set to abate after seven days unless it is renewed by the court.

In a parallel development, Fadehan was directed to report to the NPF-NCCC in Abuja at 10 am on Wednesday for an interview. The invitation, signed by AIG Akaninyene Ezima, the Director of the NPF-NCCC, pertains to an alleged case of cyberstalking and criminal defamation. Fadehan confirmed receipt of both the court papers and the police invitation, acknowledging the interim injunction's directive that he "should not post anything any longer" and his scheduled appearance at the cybercrime centre.

The legal and police actions stem from a series of public statements made by Olanrewaju Fadehan, who serves as the Head of Examinations at WAEC’s office in Anambra. Fadehan had previously released several viral videos in which he called for a comprehensive review of the recently published 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results, citing what he described as irregularities. His allegations extended to claims of financial impropriety within the council's management, specifically mentioning issues related to the supply of calculators, student identification cards, and various charges imposed on candidates and other service seekers.

Fadehan further contended that some candidates were not provided with appropriate calculators during the examination period, which he claimed contributed to poor performance in Mathematics and other calculation-based subjects. Following these public disclosures, Fadehan escalated his concerns through official channels, petitioning the WAEC Board, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examining Bodies, and the Minister of Education. He alleged that, rather than addressing his complaints, the council responded by subjecting him to disciplinary proceedings and placing him on interdiction.

WAEC and Dr. Dangut have taken a firm stance against Fadehan's publications, asserting that they contain "inaccurate information and reckless statements." The council's lawyers, Union Attorneys, highlighted a series of videos published by Fadehan, which they claim attacked the organization and its Director-General. Specific titles cited by the lawyers include "Tyranny in WAEC, Nigeria: Dangut must go," "WAEC: My alleged offence and the overbearing sanctions," and "Anomalies in WAEC Series 1: I won’t wait," among others, culminating in a later video titled "Dangut is a thief."

According to WAEC's legal representatives, these publications persisted despite a cease-and-desist letter issued on August 24, 2026. In response to the alleged defamation, WAEC and Dr. Dangut are seeking substantial damages, totaling N825 million. This sum comprises N500 million for general damages for libel, N300 million for aggravated and exemplary damages, and N25 million for legal costs. Beyond monetary compensation, they are also seeking a court order to compel Fadehan to retract the alleged defamatory publications, issue a public apology, and permanently remove all such content from every platform. Moyosola Adesina, WAEC's spokesperson, publicly accused Fadehan of disseminating falsehoods and sensational materials in response to the viral videos.

This case, involving a high-profile organization like WAEC and an employee, highlights the increasing legal risks associated with internal disputes spilling into public forums, particularly through digital channels. The swift invocation of both civil injunctions and criminal cyberstalking charges demonstrates the robust legal avenues available to entities seeking to protect their reputation and leadership from perceived defamatory attacks in Nigeria. The Lagos High Court WAEC Fadehan injunction serves as a significant precedent for how organizations can respond to such challenges.

For legal practitioners, this scenario underscores the critical importance of advising corporate clients on comprehensive internal communication policies and robust strategies for managing reputational risks. The involvement of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre further emphasizes the potential for criminal prosecution in cases of alleged cyberstalking and defamation, adding another layer of complexity to employee-employer disputes in the digital age. The substantial damages sought by WAEC and Dr. Dangut also signal the severe financial consequences that can arise from such allegations, reinforcing the need for careful consideration of public statements, especially by employees.

Lawyers should note the swift legal action taken by WAEC, including an interim injunction and police involvement, against an employee for alleged defamation and cyberstalking. This case underscores the importance of advising corporate clients on robust internal communication policies and the legal avenues available to address employee-generated reputational risks in Nigeria.

Source: Original reporting via Nigerian Tribune