Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has summoned a top official of the West African Examinations Council, Olanrewaju Fadehan, to appear in Abuja for questioning over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation, even as a Lagos State High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining him from making further public statements against the examination body. The development marks a dramatic escalation in a bitter dispute that has exposed deep cracks within one of West Africa's most influential educational institutions.
Fadehan, who serves as the Head of Examinations at WAEC's Anambra office, has been directed to report to the NPF-NCCC in Abuja at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, according to a police letter signed by AIG Akaninyene Ezima, Director of the NPF-NCCC. The invitation comes just one day after Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the Lagos State High Court issued a seven-day interim order in Suit No. LD/ADR/6656/2026, restraining Fadehan from publishing, broadcasting, or circulating any statements deemed defamatory to WAEC or damaging to the reputation of its Director-General, Dr Amos Dangut. The order covers publications in video, audio, written, and other formats across platforms including YouTube and WhatsApp.
Fadehan, who confirmed he was aware of both developments, told reporters that he received the court papers on Monday and had also been notified of the police invitation. "They've even done that already. At least, they sent me a court paper yesterday (Monday). That one is an interim injunction that I should not post anything any longer," he said. On the police summons, he added: "They're taking me to the cybercrime centre in Abuja. Tomorrow (Wednesday), I'm supposed to appear before them."
The controversy began when Fadehan released a series of viral videos calling for a review of the recently released 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results, citing alleged irregularities in the conduct and outcome of the examination. He claimed that some candidates were not provided with appropriate calculators during the examination, a situation he said contributed to poor performance in Mathematics and other calculation-based subjects. He also raised concerns about financial impropriety within WAEC's management, including issues surrounding the supply of calculators, students' identification cards, and charges imposed on candidates. He further alleged that the council broke tradition by delaying the results past the expected August 3–5 window.
After petitioning the WAEC Board, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examining Bodies, and the Minister of Education, Fadehan said he was instead subjected to disciplinary proceedings and placed on interdiction. WAEC's lawyers, Union Attorneys, have accused him of publishing a series of videos attacking the council and Dangut, citing titles including "Tyranny in WAEC, Nigeria: Dangut must go," "WAEC: My alleged offence and the overbearing sanctions," "Anomalies in WAEC – Series 1: I won't wait," and "Dangut is a thief." The lawyers alleged that the publications contained "inaccurate information and reckless statements" and that they continued even after a cease-and-desist letter dated August 24, 2026.
WAEC, through its spokesperson Moyosola Adesina, has accused Fadehan of spreading falsehoods to discredit the organisation, claiming that his allegations are part of a vindictive campaign following his suspension over a separate matter involving the alleged misappropriation of diesel from the council's Awka office. The council insists that Fadehan remains an employee whose case is still under review and that his employment has not been terminated, disputing his public claims to the contrary. Fadehan, however, maintains that the diesel allegation was resolved by an internal panel that found no theft occurred, attributing the shortfall to a leak. He says his current interdiction is tied strictly to the defamation allegations, not the fuel matter, and denies harbouring resentment over the sanctions, noting he has filed an appeal.
The legal battle has now intensified with WAEC and Dangut seeking a combined N825 million in damages, comprising N500 million in general damages for libel, N300 million in aggravated and exemplary damages, and N25 million in costs. They are also seeking an order compelling Fadehan to retract his statements, issue a public apology, and permanently remove the materials from all platforms. As the police summons and the court injunction converge, Fadehan finds himself caught between the machinery of the state and the legal might of one of Africa's most powerful examination bodies. His case has become a test of whether Nigerian institutions will protect whistleblowers or crush them, and whether the truth about systemic failures in the education sector can be spoken without fear of reprisal.
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