Yakubu Mohammed, co-founder of Newswatch magazine and its former deputy chief executive officer, has died at the age of 75 after battling an undisclosed illness. An official family statement is yet to be released.
His passing comes just two months after the death of fellow co-founder Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025, following a prolonged illness.
LEGACY IN JOURNALISM
In October 2025, Mohammed published his memoir, Beyond Expectations, chronicling Newswatch’s history and offering personal insights into its formative years. The book revisited landmark events, including the 1986 assassination of founding editor Dele Giwa and the ensuing struggle for control of the influential magazine.
Mohammed, alongside Dan Agbese, Ray Ekpu, and Dele Giwa, founded Newswatch in 1984, establishing it as a leading voice in investigative journalism during Nigeria’s military era. His death marks the loss of another key figure from the magazine’s founding generation.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Born on April 4, 1950, in Ologba, Dekina LGA, Kogi State, Mohammed attended:
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St Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba (1964)
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Government Secondary School, Okene (1965–1969)
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University of Lagos (1972–1975)
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Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland (1978–1979)
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Mohammed began his journalism career at New Nigerian Newspapers:
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Associate Editor (1976–1980)
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Managing Editor (1980)
He later joined National Concord:
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Deputy Editor (1980–1982)
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Editor (1982–1984)
At Newswatch, he held several key roles:
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Co-founder & Executive Editor (1984–1986)
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Managing Editor (1986–1994)
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Deputy CEO, Newswatch Communications Ltd. (from 1994)
Beyond journalism, he served as:
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Director at Yadara Nigeria Limited and Lastop Limited
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Member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Commonwealth Journalists’ Association, and Nigerian Guild of Editors
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Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University’s governing council
A PIONEER OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
Mohammed’s work at Newswatch played a significant role in shaping modern investigative reporting in Nigeria, particularly during the military era when press freedom was heavily restricted. His memoir and decades-long career reflect a lifelong commitment to truth, accountability, and journalistic excellence.
