The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has threatened legal action over reports linking its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, and other principal officers to alleged cybercrime.

The university said its legal team was already examining the publications, warning that it would pursue all available legal remedies, including civil proceedings and criminal processes where the facts disclosed an offence.

In a statement signed by its Registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim, the management described the allegations as unproven, insisting that no court of competent jurisdiction had found Ogunwole guilty of cybercrime.

The university also denied claims that the Vice-Chancellor hacked, tapped, intercepted, manipulated or gained unauthorised access to any telephone, computer system, data or private communication.

It explained that the controversy stemmed from an audio recording that was already in public circulation before the university began an internal administrative process.

According to the statement, management did not originate the recording, arrange its creation, or unlawfully intercept any private communication.

It said the recording came to its attention after it circulated publicly, adding that it subsequently sought explanations from individuals connected with it as part of the university’s administrative process.

It further explained that it provided a copy of the recording when access was requested, to enable the affected parties to respond to the issues raised.

It said the Vice-Chancellor’s involvement in the matter was strictly in his official and administrative capacity as the head of the institution.

“There is no factual basis, from the records available to Management, for portraying him as the person who created the recording, intercepted any communication, hacked any device or altered any data,” it said.

The university expressed concern over what it described as a sustained effort by some quarters to damage the university’s and its leadership’s reputation by repeatedly presenting disputed allegations as established facts.

It urged individuals involved in the reports to preserve and assemble all documents, records, communications, source materials and other evidence relied upon in making the allegations.

Management warned that if satisfactory clarification or credible factual justification was not provided, it would pursue all lawful remedies available to the institution and the affected officers.

The management added that the university’s legal advisers would formally communicate with the individuals concerned.

It, however, assured that the institution remained stable and committed to its statutory responsibilities, adding that it would cooperate with every lawful judicial process while defending its reputation and the integrity of its leadership. (The Nation)