Yakubu Mohammed, former Newswatch Co-Founder, dies at 75
The Co-Founder of Newswatch Magazine, veteran journalist and media entrepreneur Yakubu Mohammed has been reported dead on Tuesday, January 13,2026 at a Lagos hospital after battling with an undisclosed illness.
Penpushing reports that the death of Mohammed at 75 was confirmed by on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 by Executive Director of MayFive and former Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch Magazine, Soji Akinrinade
The death occurred barely two months after the demise of his longtime colleague and fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025, following a prolonged illness.
Penpushing further reports that he was born in northern Nigeria, and widely regarded as a meticulous administrator and strategic thinker, who played a central role in building Newswatch into Nigeria’s most influential weekly news magazine.
The late media icon co-founded the publication in 1984 alongside late Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and late Dan Agbese, serving as its former Deputy Chief Executive Officer, with record that under the founding team, Newswatch became a trailblazer in investigative journalism.
Penpushing also reports that Newswatch magazine was known for its fearless reporting, intellectual depth and firm stance against military authoritarianism during the turbulent years of the 1980s and 1990s.
The deceased was deeply involved in the magazine’s efforts to survive the tragedy, navigating intense state pressure, internal tensions and prolonged legal battles over ownership and control.
Penpushing reports that in October 2025, Mohammed launched his memoir, Beyond Expectations, at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, while the book offers a detailed insider account of the founding of Newswatch.
The book equally highlighted the circumstances surrounding Giwa’s assassination, and the internal disputes that later shaped the magazine’s fate, and reflects on Mohammed’s personal journey in journalism and media management.
Penpushing further reports that Mohammed was instrumental in shaping Newswatch magazine corporate structure, policy direction and long-term strategy, while Dele Giwa served as Editor-in-Chief and public face of the magazine
The death of Mohammed marks another significant loss to Nigeria’s media community and diminishes the ranks of the legendary Newswatch founding generation whose work set enduring standards for investigative journalism in the country.
Penpushing also reports that the magazine’s history was irrevocably altered on October 19, 1986, with the assassination of Dele Giwa at his Ikeja residence — a murder that remains unresolved.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]
