Veteran Journalist, Newswatch co-founder Yakubu Mohammed dies
….Marking End of an Era in Nigerian Media
The Nigerian media industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, a veteran journalist and co-founder of the iconic Newswatch magazine, whose work helped shape investigative journalism in the country.
His passing comes less than two months after the death of fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, further underscoring the close of a defining chapter in Nigeria’s media history. Mohammed’s death signals the departure of one of the last surviving architects of a generation that set enduring standards for fearless, independent journalism.
Alhaji Mohammed hailed from Ologba in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, where he was widely regarded as a distinguished son and national figure.
Trailblazer of Independent Journalism
Mohammed played a pivotal role in the establishment of Newswatch, Nigeria’s first major newsweekly owned and run by journalists. In 1984, after disagreements with publisher M.K.O. Abiola at National Concord, Mohammed—then editor of the newspaper—led the move for editorial independence alongside Dele Giwa and Ray Ekpu. Dan Agbese later joined them to form the historic quartet behind the magazine.
Although widely regarded as the driving force behind the creation of Newswatch, Mohammed deliberately avoided the spotlight, choosing instead to serve as Executive Editor and later Managing Editor. From these positions, he helped steer the magazine’s bold editorial vision. Launched in 1985, Newswatch quickly earned a reputation for professionalism, courage and in-depth investigative reporting.
Memoir and Unfinished Questions
Shortly before his death, Mohammed published a memoir titled Beyond Expectations, which was presented in Lagos on November 4, 2025. The book provided fresh insights into the founding of Newswatch and Nigeria’s turbulent political climate in the 1980s.
A notable section of the memoir revisited the unresolved 1986 parcel bomb killing of Dele Giwa. Mohammed challenged long-standing narratives surrounding the case, clarifying that Newswatch was not investigating the Gloria Okon story at the time, that Giwa did not travel to London to interview her, and that Giwa himself initiated a phone call to Colonel Haliru Akilu on the morning of his death.
Until his final days, Mohammed remained actively involved in efforts by the magazine’s founding editors to recover Newswatch assets following its controversial takeover by businessman Jimoh Ibrahim.
Service Beyond the Newsroom
Outside journalism, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed made notable contributions to public life. He served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and played a key role in the creation of Kogi State in August 1991. He also briefly ventured into politics, with aspirations to govern the state.
The death of Yakubu Mohammed has been described by colleagues as the fall of an Iroko tree—symbolising strength, integrity and enduring influence. He leaves behind a legacy of principled journalism, public service and unwavering commitment to truth, as well as a grateful nation and media community shaped by his life’s work.
