Dr. Stephen Akintayo, chairman of Nigerian real estate company Gtext Homes, has been served a cease and desist notice over allegations he made against a Dubai-based realtor, Abimbola Joseph, in connection with property transactions involving Tigers Properties LLC Dubai.
In a statement issued over the weekend by Sam Igwe Esq. of Waterbridge Solicitors, Mr. Joseph, who claims to be a former employee of Tigers Properties LLC Dubai, described the accusations by Akintayo as defamatory and unfounded.
“A Dubai-based Nigerian realtor and former employee of Tigers Properties LLC Dubai, Mr. Abimbola Joseph has debunked defamatory claims on properties investors,” the statement said.
Akintayo had alleged on social media that Joseph failed to remit funds paid by Nigerian investors for real estate purchases facilitated through Tiger Properties.
Responding through his lawyers, Joseph denied the claims and challenged Akintayo to produce evidence.
“For clarity and record purposes, none of the investors except one Mr. Romiluyi paid money to the client’s account; others paid directly to Tiger Properties Account. We challenge you or your client to provide any evidence that money was paid to his account for the benefit of Tiger Properties and he failed to remit same,” the statement read.
Mr. Joseph’s legal team also issued a formal cease and desist notice along with a comprehensive rebuttal, calling Akintayo’s statements “baseless, defamatory, and devoid of any factual evidence.”
“The rebuttal document meticulously addresses each claim, underscoring their lack of merit and demanding an immediate retraction and public apology. Failure to comply will result in immediate legal proceedings to seek redress for defamation, including claims for damages,” it continued.
They also referenced a May 2024 incident where Akintayo was reportedly arrested by Interpol for alleged cybercrimes against Joseph.
“Stephen Akintayo should allow the ongoing cyber bully criminal case and civil suits instituted against him to run its course. He should also focus on resolving several other allegations labelled against him and get Mr. Abimbola Joseph out of his quest for media attention,” the statement added.
Joseph reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and professionalism, vowing not to tolerate what he describes as attempts to damage his reputation.
