Nigeria’s media landscape has suffered a monumental loss. Yakubu Mohammed, a fierce guardian of the press and a pioneer of investigative journalism, has died.
The news marks the final chapter for a generation that fearlessly confronted military dictatorships. Former Senator Shehu Sani confirmed the passing of the media icon.
Sani paid tribute to the late editor’s bravery. He described the deceased as “one of the most courageous journalists in Nigeria’s media history.”
The Legacy of Yakubu Mohammed
Mohammed’s influence stretched across four decades. He was not merely a reporter; he was an architect of the modern Nigerian press.
In 1984, the media landscape shifted permanently. Mohammed, alongside Dan Agbese and Dele Giwa, co-founded Newswatch magazine.
This publication did more than report the news. Under their stewardship, it became a symbol of defiance against oppression.
Consequently, the magazine set a new standard for:
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Investigative Rigor: Digging deep into stories others avoided.
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Bold Commentary: Challenging the excesses of military administration.
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Editorial Excellence: establishing a structural blueprint for newsrooms.
As Executive Editor and later Managing Editor, Yakubu Mohammed was instrumental in steering the publication to national prominence.
From Kogi to the Global Stage
Born on April 4, 1950, in Dekina, Kogi State, Mohammed built his career on a solid educational bedrock. He earned his degree from the University of Lagos in 1975 before honing his skills at the Glasgow College of Technology in Scotland.
His professional trajectory was steep and impressive. Before the Newswatch revolution, he made his mark at:
- New Nigerian Newspapers (1976–1980): Rising to the position of Managing Editor.
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National Concord (1980–1984): Serving as Editor.
Furthermore, his service extended beyond the newsroom. He eventually served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
A Tragic Timeline for the “Newswatch Quartet”
The passing of Yakubu Mohammed closes a heartbreaking sequence of events for the legendary team.
On November 4, 2025, Mohammed launched his memoir, Beyond Expectations. The book was intended to serve as a historical record of his life and the evolution of the press in Nigeria.
However, tragedy followed quickly. Just weeks after the book launch, on November 17, 2025, his close colleague Dan Agbese passed away.
With Mohammed’s death, the ranks of the original quartet have thinned further, leaving a void in the industry. This lineage includes Dele Giwa, who was assassinated via a parcel bomb in 1986—a crime that remains unsolved.
Today, the industry mourns a man who proved that professional discipline and integrity could shape a nation’s destiny.
