-Drags Ogbeche, Osadebamwen, Others Before EFCC
By Tracy Moses
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has unearthed a troubling web of alleged financial mismanagement, irregularities, and missing funds tied to its immediate past leadership. This revelation followed a thorough investigation conducted by a probe committee constituted by the union’s congress earlier this year.
The findings, which were formally presented during a press conference organized by the council, detailed a pattern of questionable transactions and unaccounted monies during the tenure of former chairmen, Emmanuel Ogbeche and Patrick Osadebamwen. The investigation was spearheaded by a five-member panel inaugurated on January 25, 2025, by the Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike.
Chaired by respected journalist, Mr Tony Akowe, with Ndubueze Chidoka serving as Secretary and supported by members Akin Orimolade, Princess Ekwi Ejide, and Imam Umar, the committee reviewed financial records from December 2018 to October 2021. The panel engaged with stakeholders and meticulously combed the union’s books.
Among the key discoveries was a glaring lack of accountability. The committee reported that no formal handover note was received from the former leadership and that many former officials were uncooperative during the probe. The only documentation made available was an audit report from Ogbeche’s first tenure, an audit marred by inconsistencies.
The report cited unexplained entries, including N33m listed as rent collected without supporting tenant details or lease durations. Other figures, such as N220,000 labelled as check-off dues and N392,000 listed under chapel remittances, also lacked clarity. Even more suspicious was a N7.2m donation, with the identities of the donors undisclosed.
Particularly alarming was the committee’s finding regarding a lease agreement with Canopy Global Investment Limited, owned by Chief Oti Chidiebere. The company paid N24.5m into the union’s UBA account in July 2020, yet only N14m was documented in the financial report as rent received. Despite Chief Oti providing extensive proof of payment, including vouchers and bank statements, no receipt or acknowledgement was ever issued by the union, leaving a N10.5m discrepancy unexplained.
Further scrutiny revealed that a purported $148,000 balance in the union’s dollar account was erroneously merged into the naira balance without any explanation, reported as a total of N6.148m, raising questions about proper accounting practices.
In response to these findings, the committee has recommended that anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigerian Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department, be invited to thoroughly investigate the matter. Other recommendations included barring past officials from accessing the union’s bank accounts and the immediate renegotiation of property leases with professional valuers to safeguard the council’s assets.
At the April 12 Congress, members of the NUJ-FCT Council unanimously adopted the report and issued far-reaching resolutions. Among them was the decision to dissociate the council from Emmanuel Ogbeche, Patrick Osadebamwen, and Ochiaka Ugwu, instructing them to cease all actions carried out in the name of the union and relinquish control over all council accounts.
The Congress also announced the withdrawal of Mrs. Gloria Essien’s representation at the Nigeria Labour Congress FCT Council, citing her refusal to cooperate with the probe.
Furthermore, the council resolved to remove the portraits of the former chairmen from the NUJ Secretariat until investigations are concluded.
A public disclaimer will be issued to warn government agencies, corporate bodies, and the diplomatic community against dealing with the indicted individuals on behalf of the council. Letters will also be sent to the employers of those involved, outlining the findings and actions taken by the union.
At the press conference, Comrade Grace Ike reaffirmed the council’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. She emphasised that the union would pursue justice diligently and ensure that those who betrayed the trust of members face the full weight of accountability.