Timi Frank Faces Legal Threat for Alleged Defamation of Wike, President Tinubu

According to report by The Nation on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Dr. Josef Onoh, former campaign spokesman for President Bola Tinubu in the South East, has warned that Timi Frank, ex-spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), risks a two-year jail term for circulating uncertified documents accusing Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of acquiring Abuja lands to finance Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

Frank’s allegations were based on documents Onoh described as fake and inadmissible in court due to lack of certification. He cited past judicial rulings and the Nigerian Evidence Act, particularly Sections 89(e) and 104, which mandate the certification of public documents like land records before they can be used legally or publicly. Without such authentication, Onoh said, Frank’s claims amount to hearsay and carry no legal weight.

Highlighting Wike’s achievements since taking office in August 2023, Onoh noted major strides in road rehabilitation, school improvement, and security, as well as increased internally generated revenue in the FCT from ₦8 billion to ₦9 billion monthly arguing this proves Wike’s commitment to development, not personal gain.

Onoh accused Frank of attempting to discredit both Wike and Tinubu without evidence, calling it a violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code, which deals with criminal defamation. He emphasized that imputing criminal behavior without proof—such as alleging looting or abuse of office—can lead to imprisonment.

He warned that Frank’s public dissemination of such claims was not only misleading but also a reckless attack on the credibility of Wike and Tinubu’s administration. Onoh expressed disappointment in Frank’s actions, especially as a former APC figure, for failing to provide credible documentation and deliberately seeking to undermine the government.

Describing the accusations as politically motivated, Onoh urged the public to ignore them and instead support ongoing anti-corruption efforts. He reaffirmed Wike’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and warned Frank of potential legal consequences if he continues to spread baseless allegations.

In a final jab, Onoh said, “Timi Frank is only good at Frankly lying,” daring him to repeat the accusations and face the repercussions.