.…Demands apology
By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
A Civil Society Group (CSG), under the umbrella of the Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA) has expressed disappointment over what it described as unethical reporting by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
The group accused FIJ of publishing a one-sided story that allegedly maligned a public servant, Adagiri Ismail of the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS).
In a press release from Darlington Nwauju, the group’s Director of Communications on Friday, Dr. Chuks Alozie, Director of Research and Documentation at NDRA, FIJ’s online reports of October 6 and 8, 2025, portrayed a suspect in a trial as a hero, which they believe is inconsistent with journalistic practice.
The suspect, Aliyu Raji, is facing trial for allegedly obtaining millions of naira through false pretenses and advanced fee fraud using letterheads and office insignia.
Alozie explained that Ismail’s office was impersonated through an act of forgery, and the suspect was granted bail by the court.
However, after suing the complainant and the police for infringing on his rights, the court dismissed the suit and awarded a cost of N1 million to all respondents.
The NDRA expressed concerns that FIJ failed to thoroughly investigate all sides of the story and did not extend the right of reply to the affected individual, Adagiri Ismail.
The group emphasized the importance of fairness, balance, and impartiality in journalism, particularly in cases involving serious allegations like forgery and advanced fee fraud.
The civil society group has demanded a retraction or corrigendum from FIJ, stating that their publications against Ismail ran foul of the ethical code of conduct.
They warned that defending the rights of an individual who is facing a criminal case should not compromise the principles of ethical journalism.
The NDRA’s stance highlights the ongoing debate about the boundaries of investigative journalism and the need for ethical reporting practices in Nigeria.
