Journalist Arrested For Exposing N350m Constituency Project Fraud

*Sources told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that the journalist was lured into a trap under the guise of a scheduled interview with the lawmaker

A Lagos-based journalist, Mr. Zaccheaus Ukhueleigbe, has been arrested after publishing an investigative report exposing how Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo, member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, allegedly collected over N350 million for constituency projects that were never executed.

The report, titled “Revealed: How Ifako-Ijaiye Residents Suffer Despite Millions of Naira Received For Constituency Projects,” detailed how several government-funded projects under Olabinjo’s constituency allocations were either abandoned, incomplete, or completely non-existent, despite full budgetary releases.

According to the journalist, Olabinjo, popularly known as BAO, allegedly received more than N350 million between 2021 and 2024 for projects ranging from road rehabilitation and solar-powered streetlights to vocational training and youth empowerment programmes. However, residents told reporters that none of these projects were delivered.

The investigation also revealed that several of the projects were awarded to companies allegedly linked to the lawmaker. Attempts by Ukhueleigbe to reach Olabinjo for comment were unsuccessful, as his media aide, identified as Mr. Yekini, reportedly refused to provide any clarification.

However, sources told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that the journalist was lured into a trap under the guise of a scheduled interview with the lawmaker.

The meeting, allegedly arranged by Olabinjo’s aide, turned into an ambush. Upon arrival, Ukhueleigbe was reportedly detained and taken to Oko Oba Police Station in Lagos, where he is currently being held.

A source close to the journalist raised the alarm over his safety, urging the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), human rights organisations, and the Inspector-General of Police to ensure his immediate release.

“This is a clear attempt to silence the press and intimidate those exposing corruption among public officials,” the source said.

The arrest comes just days after another journalist, Ibrahim Dan’uwa Rano, was detained by the police at the Zonal Police Headquarters in Kano following a petition filed by Abdullahi Rogo, the embattled Director-General of Protocol to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State.

Mr. Rogo, who is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an alleged N6.5 billion scandal, accused the journalist of defamation.

According to reports, police officers stormed Mr. Rano’s office in Kano on Thursday, arresting him without a warrant and whisking him away to the Zonal Command for interrogation.

Sources said the journalist was questioned over allegations of defaming Mr. Rogo and operating an online television station without a valid licence from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

However, Mr. Rano reportedly clarified during interrogation that online media platforms are not required by law to obtain NBC licences, insisting his operations were in full compliance with Nigeria’s broadcasting regulations.

Despite his explanation, the journalist was allegedly ordered to be detained in a police cell on the directive of the embattled DG.

The controversy reportedly stems from an episode of Mr. Rano’s popular programme, “Imalu”, where he hinted that “a certain DG of protocol” was collecting bribes from individuals seeking access to the governor.

Although no names were mentioned in the broadcast, the DG took offence and lodged a petition accusing the journalist of defamation.

In a bizarre twist, police officers were said to have demanded that the journalist “produce Imalu,” the fictional character in his programme, before he could be released.

COURTESY: saharareporters