Yakubu Mohammed, Newswatch co-founder and media icon, dies at 75

Yakubu Mohammed, co-founder of Newswatch magazine, former deputy chief executive officer of Newswatch Communications Limited, and a towering figure in Nigerian journalism, has died at the age of 75.

He had reportedly been battling an undisclosed illness before his passing. As at press time, the family had yet to release an official statement.

Mohammed’s death comes barely two months after the passing of his long-time colleague and fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025, following a prolonged illness. Their passing marks the loss of two of the magazine’s foundational voices and leaves a significant gap in Nigeria’s media landscape.

Born on April 4, 1950, in Ologba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Mohammed rose from humble beginnings in Igala land to become one of the most influential journalists of his generation. He began his career at New Nigerian Newspapers, rising from associate editor (1976–1980) to managing editor in 1980, before joining National Concord as deputy editor (1980–1982) and editor (1982–1984).

In 1984, alongside Agbese, Ray Ekpu, and the late Dele Giwa, Mohammed co-founded Newswatch, helping to transform it into a fearless platform for investigative journalism during Nigeria’s military era. He served in multiple capacities, including co-founder and executive editor (1984–1986), managing editor (1986–1994), and deputy chief executive officer (from 1994).

Beyond journalism, Mohammed also made significant contributions in public service and academia, serving as pro-chancellor and chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, while mentoring generations of journalists and public servants. He was a director at Yadara Nigeria Limited and Lastop Limited and a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

In October 2025, Mohammed published his memoir, Beyond Expectations, offering a deeply personal yet historically significant account of his life and Nigeria’s media evolution. The memoir revisits pivotal moments, including the 1986 assassination of founding editor-in-chief Dele Giwa and the struggles that followed over control of Newswatch. According to Yusuf Mohammed, his son and commentator, the book also details Mohammed’s encounters with political betrayal, military intimidation, and moments of courage that defined his career.

Among the most notable episodes highlighted in the memoir is his eyewitness account of the 1977 raid on Fela Kuti’s Kalakuta Republic, which he reported despite personal threats — a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth. He also recounts his experiences under General Sani Abacha’s dictatorship, including being imprisoned in 1994, reflecting a career marked by courage, principle, and resilience.

Beyond Expectations also sheds light on Mohammed’s brief foray into partisan politics, which he navigated without compromising his integrity, and his quiet yet impactful leadership in mentoring young professionals and defending the oppressed. As Yusuf Mohammed notes, Yakubu was “a man of humility, who hates to blow his own horn,” allowing his principles and consistent commitment to speak for themselves.

Mohammed’s legacy is not just in headlines or awards but in the ethical standards he set for Nigerian journalism. From reporting under military rule to shaping investigative journalism in the country, and mentoring the next generation, he exemplified the power of the pen in shaping society. His passing represents the end of an era for Nigerian media, and the loss is deeply felt across the profession.

Yakubu Mohammed is survived by his family, and his memoir will remain a lasting testament to a life lived with courage, principle, and impact.