Veteran journalist and Arise News anchor Reuben Abati has firmly denied a series of allegations made against him by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The allegations, made during a live appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, included claims that Abati had sought financial assistance from Wike and had previous dealings with anti-corruption authorities.
In a statement issued via social media on Saturday, Abati described the claims as “false, defamatory, and politically motivated.” He categorically denied ever approaching Wike to solicit money, adding that any such action, if ever taken by another party in his name, would amount to fraud.
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“I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money. That is a lie,” Abati wrote. “If anyone, including a former associate, has ever misrepresented me in such a manner, they acted entirely without my knowledge or consent. Such behaviour would amount to fraud, and I fully support the Minister’s right to condemn such actions.”
The journalist also addressed the accusation that he had been compelled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return funds. He asserted that the EFCC had never demanded such restitution from him and noted that the agency, under the leadership of former Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu, had in fact issued him an apology. He dismissed the suggestion that he was ever under any form of financial investigation by the anti-graft agency.
Abati further rebutted a claim regarding his alleged affiliation with former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi. He clarified that he had no working relationship with Amaechi and stated, “I am not Amaechi’s spokesperson. I do not even have his phone number.”
Olayinka had also insinuated that Abati’s absence from Friday’s broadcast of The Morning Show was due to internal disciplinary measures. Abati, however, provided a different explanation, stating that he was away to attend a previously scheduled literary event—the launch of Oprah Benson: Live and Legend, a 550-page biography written by Dr. Udu Yakubu.
He acknowledged that his colleague, Rufai Oseni, had told viewers he was “indisposed,” but Abati declined to speculate on the choice of words. Instead, he expressed confidence in the professionalism of his co-anchors, including Oseni and Vimbai Mutinhiri.
Reaffirming his earlier criticism of Minister Wike, Abati stood by his previous assessment, in which he described the minister’s conduct as “rude.” He said public officials must be subject to scrutiny and that his professional commentary on Wike was based on factual analysis and journalistic principles.
“Wike is a public officeholder and must be open to scrutiny. My analysis remains rooted in fact and professional ethics,” Abati said.
He also responded to a related issue raised by Olayinka concerning the late Senator Buruji Kashamu. Abati defended the senator’s legal standing before his death, pointing out that no court had ever convicted him of any wrongdoing.
“The allegations against Kashamu were never proven in any court of law. Until his death, he remained unconvicted. It is unethical and distasteful to malign the dead using unsubstantiated claims,” he stated.
In concluding his public response, Abati expressed appreciation to his family, colleagues, and supporters. He offered special thanks to his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for what he described as her unwavering support during the controversy.
The episode has stirred considerable attention in both media and political circles, as it involves prominent figures and institutions. Abati’s detailed rebuttal appears aimed at safeguarding his professional integrity and addressing what he considers an orchestrated attempt to damage his reputation.
