The City Boy Movement has distanced itself from claims linking an alleged United States (US) fraud convict, Adepoju Babatunde Salako, to the socio-political organisation.
The group stated that Salako was never a member, official, or representative of the movement at any level.
City Boy Movement Denies Alleged US Convict Membership Claim
The City Boy Movement membership claim by the alleged US convict controversy emerged after reports circulated online attempting to associate Salako with the pro-Tinubu support organisation.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Abdullahi, the movement described the allegations as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
According to the statement, Salako never occupied any office or held any recognised role within the organisation’s structure.
Group Denies Any Official Connection
The movement insisted that Salako was never appointed as a coordinator, mobilisation officer, spokesperson, campaign official, or representative either in Nigeria or abroad.
It added that attempts to connect him to the organisation amounted to reputational manipulation aimed at discrediting support groups aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The was categorically rejected by the organisation.
Fraud Conviction Reports Trigger Controversy
Reports referenced in the statement linked Salako to alleged fraud-related offences and criminal proceedings in the United States.
According to Naija News, Salako was reportedly sentenced in connection with a wire fraud scheme involving Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend programme.
The City Boy Movement, however, maintained that it had no relationship whatsoever with the individual.
Group Questions Sudden Association
The organisation argued that earlier reports about the alleged conviction did not mention the City Boy Movement, raising concerns over what it described as a deliberate attempt to create a false political connection.
It also referenced separate media reports allegedly identifying Salako as a coordinator of another pro-Tinubu platform known as “Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria.”
According to the movement, the conflicting affiliations highlighted indiscriminate attempts to attach political identities to individuals without verification.
Movement Emphasises Due Process
While rejecting the allegations, the group noted that its clarification was not intended to interfere with any legal proceedings involving Salako.
It stressed that every individual deserves constitutional protections and due process under the law.
However, the movement insisted that it would not accept false attribution or efforts to create artificial relationships where none exist.
City Boy Movement Reaffirms Mission
The organisation reiterated its commitment to youth mobilisation, civic participation, democratic engagement, and national development.
According to its official platform, the City Boy Movement describes itself as a grassroots-driven civic and political engagement organisation supporting leadership awareness and national progress.
The movement also urged members of the public and media organisations to disregard reports linking Salako to its activities.
Public Attention on Political Support Groups Increases
The City Boy Movement membership denial comes amid increasing public scrutiny of political support organisations and their members.
Recent months have seen growing attention on accountability, leadership credibility, and the activities of politically affiliated grassroots movements in Nigeria.
Analysts say digital media and political rivalries have amplified the speed at which controversial claims spread online.
Conclusion
The City Boy Movement has firmly denied any connection to Adepoju Salako, insisting that the alleged US convict never belonged to the organisation.
As debates continue online, the membership claim controversy highlights the growing challenge of misinformation, political association disputes, and reputational battles in Nigeria’s digital political landscape.
