- Journalist Segun Olawoye has alleged a threat to his life after receiving a WhatsApp message he claims came from Works Minister David Umahi over a secretly recorded meeting related to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
- According to Olawoye, the sender also stated that he still had an opportunity to apologise “on my terms.”
Nigerian journalist and publisher Segun Olawoye has raised concerns over an alleged threat to his life, stating that David Umahi should be held responsible if anything happens to him.
Olawoye, founder and publisher of ObjecTV Media, made the claim during a press briefing where he revealed that he received a cryptic WhatsApp message from a phone number he later identified as belonging to the minister.
According to him, the tension began after he secretly recorded a meeting connected to the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The journalist said the meeting took place in August 2025 after protesters stormed the Federal Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja to oppose the realignment of the Lagos section of the highway.
Explaining why he recorded the meeting, Olawoye said, “Based on my experience as a journalist who had covered protests that degenerated into violence in the past… I immediately activated my discreet recording gadget.”
He added that the recording later became the source of tension between him and the minister.
Olawoye claimed that on March 8, 2026, he received a WhatsApp message from an unsaved number that was later identified as belonging to the minister. The message allegedly accused him of secretly recording and sharing their conversation.
Part of the message reportedly read: “You came to my office and secretly videoed our conversations and shared… You have no right to do that.”
According to Olawoye, the sender also stated that he still had an opportunity to apologise “on my terms.”
The journalist said he decided to make the issue public out of concern for his safety.
He stated, “As of today, March 12, 2026, I am in good health. I have no suicidal thoughts.”
He further added, “If anything happens to me… Engr. David Nweze Umahi should be held responsible.”
The dispute is linked to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, a major infrastructure initiative under the administration of Bola Tinubu. The project has sparked protests from some communities and investors who claim that the realignment of parts of the road affects properties, including the WinHomes Estate.
Olawoye said representatives of the affected parties were later invited to meet the minister to discuss the matter.
Leave a Reply