Publisher of THISDAY Newspapers and Chairman of Arise News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, has refuted reports claiming that he has gone on self-exile to evade investigation over an alleged $225 million loan scandal.
The online rumours, which surfaced across several digital platforms on Thursday, alleged that Obaigbena, an influential media mogul, had gone on self-exile to the United Kingdom following a supposed manhunt by security agencies.
Taking to its X (formerly Twitter) handle to address the rumor, Arise News dismissed the story as “FAKE NEWS,” describing the publication as a deliberate attempt to smear Obaigbena’s reputation and mislead the public.
It was also observed that no reliable media organisation or government agency has issued any statement confirming an investigation or manhunt involving the THISDAY publisher. Moreover, there has been no record of any petition or official document linking Obaigbena to the alleged loan scandal.
The false report, observers say, appears to be another instance of coordinated misinformation targeted at prominent figures in Nigeria’s media and political space.
Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and pioneering influence in Nigerian journalism, Obaigbena—popularly called “The Duke”—has weathered numerous controversies over the years, often emerging unscathed with the latest assertion on self-exile being the latest. His latest rebuttal underscores what associates describe as his resolve to confront fake news head-on and protect the credibility of his media brands.
