By Abubakar Yunusa
The Peoples Daily Newspaper has formally retracted its earlier publication which alleged unethical conduct against the President of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria), Mr. Musikilu Mojeed.
Recall that on December 27, 2025, the Peoples Daily published an article titled “NGO slams IPI Nigeria President, Mojeed, alleges he ‘lacks integrity’”.
The report claimed that Global Rights and its Executive Director, Abiodun Baiyewu, had accused IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed of “weaponizing investigative journalism” for racketeering.
However, the People’s Daily has verified
the story and found it to be inaccurate.
Detailed fact-check by the Peoples Daily has revealed the allegations attributed to a civil society organisation and other commentators were unsubstantiated, speculative, and did not reflect the true character, professional conduct, or record of Mr. Mojeed.
“We have since established that Mr. Musikilu Mojeed has not engaged in any form of unethical journalism, intimidation, racketeering, or financial impropriety as earlier implied in our report,” the Peoples Daily said.
The newspaper admitted that its reports
did not adequately verify the claims before publication nor offer Mr. Mojeed and IPI Nigeria sufficient opportunity to respond, a lapse it described as regrettable.
Peoples Daily further clarified that no credible evidence exists to support allegations that Mr. Mojeed or Premium Times demanded advertorials, received inducements, or accepted payments from government officials or corporate bodies in exchange for favourable or unfavourable coverage.
“The investigative reports published by Premium Times under Mr. Mojeed’s leadership were products of independent journalism carried out in line with global best practices,” the newspaper added.
The Peoples Daily has accordingly tendered an unreserved apology to Mr. Mojeed, the IPI Nigeria, Premium Times, and its readers for any harm, embarrassment, or reputational damage the publication might have caused them.
“We sincerely apologise to Mr. Musikilu Mojeed for any distress and injury our report may have caused him personally and professionally.
We also apologise to the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) for misrepresenting its leadership and mission,” the Peoples Daily said.
The newspaper reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism, accuracy, and responsible reporting, pledging to strengthen its editorial processes to prevent a recurrence of such lapses.
The Peoples Daily also stands with the IPI in its relentless commitment to press freedom and independent journalism practice in Nigeria.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
