By Ola Williams-
ABUJA — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has accused its former chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, of cybercrime and impersonation, demanding immediate investigation and sanctions under the Cybercrime Act.
In a strongly worded communiqué issued at the end of its Monthly Congress held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Union’s headquarters in Utako, Abuja, the NUJ FCT Council alleged that Ogbeche illegally accessed and altered the Union’s official social media platforms, changing the name from “NUJ FCT Council” to “Nigeria Media Group” and replacing its logo.
Over 450 members attended the Congress, which began in a calm atmosphere but quickly turned tense during deliberations on the state of the Union. A motion condemning Ogbeche’s actions was unanimously adopted, with members describing his conduct as “wilful and destructive.”
The Union further accused Ogbeche, alongside his successor Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen (2023–2024), of failing to render proper audited accounts of their respective tenures. It mandated the current leadership, headed by Comrade Grace Ike, to report the cyber incident to law enforcement for investigation and possible prosecution.
Members also decried ongoing efforts to destabilize the Union by a group of alleged dissidents led by Comrade Emeka Nze of Blueprint Newspaper and Johnchuks Onuahim. During the Congress, Comrade Osisam Ede of the Correspondents Chapel reported being physically assaulted by Nze, who allegedly threatened a hostile takeover of the Council.
While several members called for the immediate suspension of the individuals involved, the Union’s legal adviser urged compliance with constitutional due process. The Congress thereafter referred the accused members to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for investigation and recommendations.
In a show of unity and support, the Congress unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the current executive council led by Comrade Grace Ike. Members praised her leadership and urged detractors to allow her administration to focus on delivering good governance within the Union.
The Congress also addressed a planned protest by over 40,000 workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), scheduled to hold from Monday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 2, 2025. It noted that members working within the affected agencies would participate.
In conclusion, the NUJ FCT Council commended the FCT Minister, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, describing him as a “man of the people and friend of the media,” while appealing to him to address the concerns of protesting workers.
Signed:
Comr. Emmanuel Tortiv, Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee
Comr. Benjamin Edeaghe
Comr. Odita Sunday, Member
