Suspected fraudsters posed as assassins, demanding N20 million from journalist Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji. Police are now investigating the incident
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]uspected fraudsters disguised as assassins have threatened to kill Nigerian journalist Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, the founder of Penpushing Media, unless he pays a ransom of N20 million.
Also read: ICPC arraigns NBC officials for alleged fraud
The gang, led by a man identified as Femi Poly, contacted Kayode-Adedeji at approximately 7:30 a.m. with an alarming message.
They claimed to have been hired to eliminate him, but after a brief assessment, they decided to offer him a way out—if he could pay the hefty sum.
“We have your photograph, and we were assigned by someone close to you to kill you,” the gang’s spokesperson told Kayode-Adedeji.
“However, after observing that you’re an elderly man, we reconsidered and decided to offer you the chance to save yourself—if you can give us N20 million.”
The suspects, operating under the mobile phone numbers +2349036869898 and +2348080858130, further stated that they would reveal the identity of their sponsor after the ransom was paid.
When questioned about the person behind the threat, they claimed it was someone close to the journalist, who had issues with him.
Despite the intimidating demand, Kayode-Adedeji informed the fraudsters that he could not afford such an amount. In response, the criminals reduced their demand to N500,000, and when he still claimed financial inability, they lowered the figure to N150,000.
Ultimately, they pressed him to pay at least N10,000 as a “part-payment,” providing an Access Bank account number under the name Aminu Adamu.
Kayode-Adedeji, however, did not comply with the fraudsters’ request. Instead, he promptly informed the police about the incident. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the matter.
At the time of filing this report, the police were actively pursuing leads and have yet to make any arrests in connection with the case.
Also read: EFCC clarifies alleged election witness claims in N6 billion fraud investigation
The journalist’s brave actions have sparked public discussion about the growing risks faced by media professionals and the alarming tactics employed by criminals in the country.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
