Segun Olatunji, the General Editor of the prominent online newspaper, First News, has tendered his resignation amidst a controversy surrounding a published article implicating Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
Olatunji’s article titled “How Gbajabiamila attempted to corner $30bn, 66 houses traced to Sabiu” resulted in his arrest and detainment by the Defence Intelligence Agency.
This sparked outrage from various media bodies including the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, and International Press Institute, ultimately leading to his release.
In a statement issued by the management of First News, they apologized to Gbajabiamila, acknowledging the publication of falsehoods and fabricated stories sourced from a misleading informant. The publisher, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, disclosed that the matter had been resolved out of court, accompanied by a formal apology to Gbajabiamila.
Following the management’s apology, Olatunji swiftly resigned from his position, citing the need to ensure the safety of himself and his family. In his resignation letter, he expressed confidence that the truth about the incident would surface soon.
The sudden resignation of Olatunji came amidst lingering tensions surrounding his abduction in March from his residence in the Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos State. His wife, Abiodun Olatunji, recounted the harrowing experience of armed men forcibly taking her husband away without providing any information on his whereabouts.
As this saga unfolds, the spotlight remains on First News and its efforts to rectify the situation, with lingering questions about the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria.
