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BURATAI: SUBJUDICE, SAHARA REPORTERS AND CONCERNS FOR PROFESSIONAL ABUSES, BY FEMI OYEWALE

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General Buratai: Of Sahara Reporters’ Deal With The ‘Evil Spirit'.

BURATAI: SUBJUDICE, SAHARA REPORTERS AND CONCERNS FOR PROFESSIONAL ABUSES, BY FEMI OYEWALE

 

 

 

BURATAI– There are growing concerns about what appears to be persistent and flagrant abuses of the law and theory of subjudice within the media space by Sahara Reporters, an online media platform. In many climes, subjudice is tied to the right to freedom of expression and that of the press.

 

 

 

 

 

In Nigeria, for instance, Section 39 (1) of the constitution, as altered, provides that “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas, and information without interference. However, Section 39 (3) provides that nothing in this section shall invalidate any reasonably justifiable law in a democratic society, especially to maintain the authority and independence of courts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a simple explanation, Subjudice, as a legal principle, emphasises that to maintain the authority and independence of the Courts matters before the courts should be freed from comments likely to prejudice the determination of the case. Put differently. It means that when a legal matter has come under the jurisdiction of a court, nobody, including the press and other media, should interfere by either publication or public comment.

 

 

 

 

BURATAI: SUB JUDICE, SAHARA REPORTERS AND CONCERNS FOR PROFESSIONAL ABUSES, BY FEMI OYEWALE

 

 

 

This legal caution is the reason democratic enthusiasts and media professionals have expressed concerns over Sahara Reporters’ penchants for consistent mention of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, retd, in its reportage, especially in the mode of corruption and abuse of office allegations against the former Army boss. For instance, around the middle of 2022, General Tukur Buratai (retired) took publisher Omoyele Sowore before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over an allegation of false publication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his prayers, Buratai sought N10 billion damages because, according to him, Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, a United States-based online medium, linked him to a report that the anti-graft agency, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related OffencesCommission, found billions of currency notes in local and foreign denominations at an apartment in Abuja.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to Buratai in suit number FCT/HC/CV/252/2022 filed through his lawyer, Dr Reuben Atabo, SAN, Sowore and his medium should be restrained from further publishing or caused to publish any defamatory publication against him. The senior advocate prayed the court for the following reliefs: A declaration that the defendant’s publication dated 23rd day of June 2022 with the caption “EXCLUSIVE: Anti-graft Agency, ICPC Uncovers Billions in Cash Meant for Arms, Ammunition To Fight Boko Haram In Abuja Home of the former Chief of Army Staff, Buratai amounts to defamation of the Claimant’s character, an order mandating the defendant to retract the said publication with a public apology which must be published in two national dailies and on the defendant’s online platform where the defamatory publication was made. An injunction restraining the defendant whether by themselves, servants, agents or otherwise, from further publishing or causing to be published the said or similar words defamatory of the claimant, damages in the sum of N10 billion being general and aggravated damages for libellous wordsfalsely, maliciously and recklessly published by the defendant of and concerning the claimant in the online publication. However, and curiously so, Sahara Reporters, in its recent publications, does not seem to have adhered to this noble professional principle nor respect for rule of law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, May 11, in an article titled Ex-Army Chief, Buratai Sues SaharaReporters for Exposing Recovery of Billions of Naira meant for Arms, Ammunition in Abuja House and on Monday, May 15, in an article titled “Amid Claims of Open Court Martial, Nigerian Army Bars Journalists from Covering Trial of Maj. Gen. Mohammed, Who Exposed How Buratai Used Army Property Firm to Obtain Saudi Citizenship, Fund Wives’ Trips.“ Obviously, these unfounded allegations and malicious reports, are directly aimed at the reputation of Buratai, stand within the bounds of unacceptable comments and reports given that the matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interestingly, emerging testimonies from stakeholders debunk these growing negative reports against Buratai. For instance, Brigadier General Onyeama Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relation lambasted Sahara Reporters over the obvious false narratives. In an official release by the army spokesperson titled, “REPORT ON ONGOING COURT-MARTIAL TRIAL OF MAJOR GENERAL UM MOHAMMED BY SAHARA REPORTERS IS A CAMPAIGN OF CALUMNY” the reports stated: “The Army Headquarters has noted yet another ill-conceived report by Sahara Reporters on a sub-judice and ongoing Court Martial process of Major General UM Mohammed, the erstwhile Group Managing Director (GMD) Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), who was indicted by a military police investigation and recommended for trial. It is expedient to clear the air on the despicably false report and calculated attempt to cast aspersion on the ongoing Court Martial, which has already progressed to an advanced stage, as the prosecution has put forward the evidence against General Mohammed and closed its case. The accused senior officer has opened his defence and is testifying as Defence Witness One (DW1). For the avoidance of doubts, without being sub-judicial, the former GMD NAPL is facing trial in relation to alleged offences of theft of various sums of money belonging to NAPL and forgery. These are all acts declared as offences punishable under the provisions of various extant penal Laws in Nigeria.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, only recently, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi, (retired)and Vice president- Elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, applauded former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuff Buratai for putting his life on the line to ensure the indivisibility of Nigeria. Magashi stated this in a message at the public presentation and launch of three books in honour of Buratai. The books, titled: “Duty Call under Buratai’s Command,” “Walking the War Front with Lt Gen TY Buratai” and the “Lonely Grave,” were authored by Jibril Baba Ndace of the Blueprint Newspaper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Minister of Defence who was a special guest of honour represented by his Special Adviser, Technical, Major General AT Jibrin (rtd) commended the author for a job well accomplished. He further acknowledged the immense contributions of General Buratai, retd to the stability of the nation’s polity and his giant strides in repositioning the Nigerian Army, stressing that his positive chapter in Nigeria history nis assured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Vice president- Elect Senator Kashim Shettima represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Leo Irabor and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Blueprint Newspapers Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi also acknowledged Buratai as a gallant defender of the indivisibility of Nigeria.

Similarly, fresh reports have disclosed that Major General UM Mohammed, a former Director, Nigerian Army Properties Limited, is facing a military court martial over allegations of collecting several billions of naira from serving and retired officers for post-retirement houses but which could not be found. This was reported in the Sunday edition of Vanguard newspaper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the report, a senior officer who spoke to on the development said, “He is also being detained because he cannot account for the billions of Naira collected as proceeds from the sale of NA Properties and lands across the country. “To cover his evil machinations, he is claiming the funds were spent based on directives. But he had worked with several other Chiefs of Army Staff had committed other infractions before this final fraud and I can tell you authoritatively that he tried severally including recruiting many Emirs to beg the Army authorities to stop the court martial without success. This led to the present COAS decision to court martial him. All his mates have retired but since he is facing the court he cannot be retired until judgment is delivered.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

These insider revelations clinically debunk the sustained reports by Sahara Reporters which have been variously interpreted to be prejudicial and a glaring fact that the medium is pained and out on mischief…Therefore, it is about time those sponsoring these malicious reports stop and Sahara Reporters should thread the path of honour and rule of law by being forthright and honest in its reporting. They should eschew the camping of calumny against the former Army Chief.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

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Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

 

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has raised alarm over an alleged threat by Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye (Mr P) against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu, warning that the singer will be held responsible should any harm come to the journalist or his family.

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

In a press statement issued on April 20, 2026, NASRE’s leadership, led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expressed concern over the incident reportedly occurring at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye.

 

 

NASRE views the alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable, stating that any language suggesting intimidation against a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns about press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

 

 

The association has therefore called on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu, while also urging all parties involved in the ongoing legal matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Read the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

NASRE RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED THREAT BY PETER OKOYE (MR P) AGAINST BAYO ADETU IN COURT, WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES

The leadership of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expresses concern over an alleged threat issued by popular Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P, against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving the music duo P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye. Eyewitnesses present in court stated that Mr Peter Okoye drew the attention of Justice Alexander Owoeye to Mr Adetu’s presence, noting that he was formerly P-Square’s publicist but now works with his brothers. The remark reportedly generated reactions in the courtroom.

It is further alleged that after the court session, Mr Peter Okoye confronted Mr Adetu in the presence of others and said, “You, Bayo, I will set you up.”

NASRE views this alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable. Any language suggesting harm or intimidation directed at a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns regarding press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

We state unequivocally that should anything happen to Mr Bayo Adetu or any member of his family, Mr Peter Okoye will be held accountable. Such statements, when directed at a media professional, are taken with utmost seriousness.

NASRE will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment, or threat against its members. We are fully prepared to activate all lawful media and legal channels to protect our members and safeguard the integrity of the profession. Mr Peter Okoye must be aware that utterances of this nature carry consequences and he will be held responsible for any outcome arising from this matter.

We therefore call on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu. We also urge all parties involved in the ongoing matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

The safety of journalists remains paramount, and the media will not be silenced.

Signed:
Lateef Owodunni
Media Director, NASRE
April 20, 2026

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Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift

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Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

 

Nigerian Fuji star Saheed Osupa has responded to a wave of political controversy surrounding his recent campaign appearance in Oyo State, clarifying that a vehicle linked to the debate was not a political gift but compensation tied to a professional engagement.

The backlash followed the circulation of a Facebook Reel showing Osupa performing at an event associated with Sharafadeen Alli, who has declared interest in the Oyo State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC). As the video gained traction, it sparked renewed scrutiny over entertainers’ roles in political campaigns and the assumptions that often follow such appearances.

Amid the reactions, individuals aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) circulated claims on social media alleging that Osupa, alongside gospel artist Yinka Ayefele, had previously received luxury vehicles from the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The claims, which remain unverified, framed the alleged gesture as an example of questionable public spending and raised concerns about political loyalty.

Osupa has since pushed back against that narrative, offering a different account of events. In a video statement, the artist explained that his involvement in the campaign was strictly professional, based on a negotiated performance agreement rather than any form of political alignment.

According to him, he was engaged to perform at campaign events with assurances that he would be adequately compensated after the election. He, however, alleged that those commitments were not fulfilled following the electoral victory.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the vehicle, Osupa stated that his personal car was damaged during the course of the campaign. He said the replacement vehicle later provided to him was intended as compensation for that loss, not a discretionary gift or political reward.

His response reframes the discussion from one of political patronage to a dispute over professional obligations—an important distinction in an environment where entertainers are frequently enlisted to support campaign visibility.

The episode highlights a recurring tension within Nigeria’s political landscape: the blurred line between performance and perceived allegiance. For artists, participation in campaign activities can quickly shift from paid engagement to public endorsement in the eyes of observers, particularly when details of such arrangements are not clearly communicated.

Osupa’s clarification brings that tension into focus, underscoring how easily professional engagements can be recast within political narratives. As conversations continue, the situation points to a broader need for transparency in the relationship between public figures and political actors—especially in moments where perception can carry as much weight as fact.

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