In a remarkable demonstration of journalistic accountability, two Nigerian newspapers have publicly apologized and retracted false allegations against Musikilu Mojeed, President of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.

The Authority and People's Daily separately published damaging claims in December, alleging that Mojeed lacked professional integrity. However, after swift investigation, both publications acknowledged their reports were completely unfounded and issued comprehensive retractions.

The Authority newspaper, in a statement signed by Executive Director Chuks Akunna, described the original story as a "regrettable and phantom report" that was potentially published using unauthorized login credentials. The newspaper suggested an ex-employee might have been responsible for the fabricated story.

People's Daily went even further, conducting a detailed fact-check that revealed their original allegations were "unsubstantiated, speculative, and did not reflect Mojeed's true professional character." The newspaper explicitly cleared Mojeed of any suggestions of unethical journalism, intimidation, or financial impropriety.

Global Rights Nigeria, the civil society organization wrongly cited in the original reports, emphatically denied ever issuing any statement against Mojeed. Executive Director Abiodun Baiyewu confirmed that no statement was authorized, approved, or endorsed by their organization.

The incident appears linked to IPI Nigeria's recent decision to blacklist two governors and a police inspector for repressive actions, suggesting the false reports might have been retaliatory in nature. Both newspapers have now committed to more rigorous fact-checking and verification processes in future reporting.

Mojeed's immediate transparency, quickly informing IPI Nigeria members about the false claims, underscores the importance of professional integrity in journalism. The swift retractions demonstrate a growing commitment to accountability in Nigerian media circles.