A former Operations Comptroller of the Yenagoa Field Office of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Duncan Eradiri, has dismissed as “untrue, mischievous and sponsored” reports alleging that he is seriously ill, bedridden and being manipulated by his wife, Mrs. Grace Izonebi Eradiri.
The allegations were published by The Light Newspaper in its December 16–22, 2025 edition (page 29), which claimed that the retired DPR operations comptroller was incapacitated and incapable of making rational personal, financial or legal decisions.
Reacting in a statement made available to journalists and personally signed by him, Mr. Eradiri described the report as incorrect, inaccurate and unfounded, stressing that he is alive, mentally sound and fully in control of his faculties.
He stated that apart from normal conditions associated with advancing age, he remains in good health and independently manages his personal affairs.
“I remain in good health and continue to attend to my affairs independently. On my welfare and personal care, I take care of myself and my personal hygiene,” he said.
Mr. Eradiri further refuted claims that he was neglected or abandoned, noting that the portrayal of him as unkempt or dependent was false.
“I am not neglected, abandoned, unkempt, or dependent on anyone for my daily welfare in the manner portrayed in the publication,” he added.
Addressing allegations against his wife, Mrs. Grace Izonebi Eradiri, he said she has neither abused nor neglected him.
“My wife has not subjected me to abuse, neglect, inhuman treatment, or deprivation of care. She has treated me with respect and dignity and has maintained cordial relations with my relatives to the best of her ability,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that his wife isolated him from family members, explaining that he remains in constant touch with his relatives. According to him, his younger sister lives with him, while other siblings regularly visit, just as he visits them.
On the alleged sale of his properties, Mr. Eradiri clarified that all decisions were taken voluntarily and without coercion.
“Every property sold by me was sold voluntarily, based on my personal assessment of my needs at the relevant time. No one, including my wife, compelled, pressured or manipulated me into selling any property,” he stated.
He further explained that his wife is not a signatory to his bank accounts and does not control his finances, except for routine family expenses discussed in the normal course of marriage.
On reports surrounding his will, Mr. Eradiri maintained that it was made freely and voluntarily, without influence from any individual.
“My wife neither initiated the making of the will nor participated in its preparation, contents or execution. The will reflects my personal wishes and convictions at the time it was made,” he said.
He also denied allegations that he abandoned his last child from his first marriage abroad, explaining that he fully sponsored the child’s education in Canada for four years.
Mr. Eradiri stressed that his medical records and decisions remain private and subject to his consent in line with medical ethics and the law.
He cautioned the editorial board of The Light Newspaper and radio stations that discussed the matter to always verify facts before publication or broadcast.
“The publication and radio discussion contained several factual inaccuracies concerning my health, welfare and personal affairs. Neither the publisher nor the broadcasters contacted me or my wife to verify these facts before dissemination,” he said.
According to him, the clarification was issued solely to correct the public record and prevent misunderstanding.
“It is not intended to malign or accuse any individual, but to state the true position of my health, welfare and personal decisions. I make this statement voluntarily and in full possession of my mental capacity,” Mr. Eradiri concluded.
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