Politics

Watch Out for Fraudsters Posing as Journalists and Activists, Group Cautions Nigerians

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 21st, 2024.

Watch Out for Fraudsters Posing as Journalists and Activists, Group Cautions Nigerians

A socio-political group, the One Nigeria Movement (ONM), has issued a warning to Nigerians about the growing threat of fraudsters, extortionists, and impersonators posing as investigative journalists and activists. The group particularly pointed to Jackson Ude, a self-styled investigative journalist, who they accused of falsely claiming to have worked as a Special Assistant on Media or Director of Strategy and Communications under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, signed by its Convener General, Ahmed Sodiq-Mugoro, and Secretary, Babatunde Aliyu, ONM criticized Ude’s claims and labeled him an impostor. The group called for an end to such deceptive practices that have led to blackmail and extortion of innocent Nigerians.

The ONM challenged Ude to produce official documentation—specifically an appointment letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation—to validate his purported role in the Jonathan administration.

“It is crucial to scrutinize the credibility and integrity of anyone making such claims before giving any weight to their assertions,” the group said. “Those who engage in fraudulent activities and spread falsehoods about their affiliations must be exposed for what they truly are.”

ONM also highlighted that Ude’s past claims of serving as an aide to President Jonathan were baseless. The group explained that the actual individuals who held such positions were properly documented and appointed, including Dr. Doyin Okupe (Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs), Dr. Olusanya Awosan (Special Assistant on Public Relations), and Mallam Nasir Zaharaden (Special Assistant on Public Affairs).

Furthermore, ONM revealed that Ude’s media platform, Pointblanknews, had initially been brought in by Femi Fani-Kayode to assist with public relations efforts in Jonathan’s government. However, within a short period, Ude and his colleagues began to engage in unethical practices, including blackmailing government officials to extort money, which ultimately led to their removal from government work.

The group also pointed to Ude’s history of extortion, referencing his failed attempt to blackmail former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In 2012, Ude published a defamatory article accusing Okonjo-Iweala of purchasing an expensive property in Abuja and pocketing substantial commissions from debt buybacks during the Obasanjo administration. The story was proven false, and Okonjo-Iweala sued Ude for libel, winning a N200 million judgment after a lengthy legal battle.

The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Chizoba N. Oji, included a permanent injunction against Ude and Pointblanknews from publishing defamatory content about Okonjo-Iweala in the future. The judgment also included general and exemplary damages totaling N200 million.

“Ude’s history of defamation and blackmail is well-documented,” ONM concluded. “We urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and not fall victim to these fraudulent individuals who disguise themselves as truth-tellers and defen

ders of justice.”