The Recklessness Of Reporting The Living As Dead, by Isaac Asabor

In the fast-paced world of journalism, particularly as the profession is been blighted by citizen journalism, where every second counts and the race to break the news is relentless, one of the most unprofessional and wicked practices continues to rear its ugly head, prematurely declaring the death of a living person. This reckless behavior not only undermines the credibility of the press but also inflicts unimaginable emotional harm on the individuals and families involved. The tragic irony of declaring someone dead while he or she is still very much alive is a stark reminder of the power of words and the profound responsibility that comes with wielding them.

Undoubtedly, Journalism is a profession rooted in truth, accuracy, and the ethical dissemination of information. The responsibility that comes with informing the public should never be taken lightly. When a news outlet erroneously reports the death of an individual, it is not just a mistake, it is a breach of trust and an act of profound cruelty. Imagine the agony of a family reading or hearing about the “death” of a loved one, only to later discover that the report was false. The damage is often irreparable, leaving emotional scars that may never fully heal.

Nigeria has witnessed several unfortunate instances where the living were reported dead, leading to widespread confusion and distress. These incidents serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the dire consequences of prioritizing timeliness in reporting news over accuracy.

The recent false report of Senator Ned Nwoko’s death adds to the growing list of premature obituaries that have plagued Nigerian journalism. In a disturbing trend, several prominent figures have been victims of such erroneous reports, which not only cause unnecessary panic but also undermine the credibility of the media. This latest incident, where Senator Ned Nwoko was falsely declared dead, is a stark reminder of the dangers of unverified information and the need for journalists to adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and integrity.

This is not the first time Nigerian media outlets have rushed to publish false death reports. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, involving well-known personalities, including a female Nollywood actress, Ngozi Ezeonu, who was also erroneously reported dead in January 2024 while very much alive was compelled to debunk the reports that she is dead through a video on her Instagram page, where she said  “I’m alive and healthy”.

These incidents reflect a broader issue within the industry, where the rush to break news often takes precedence over verifying facts. The consequences of such irresponsible journalism can be far-reaching, causing distress to the families of the individuals involved and damaging the reputation of the media.

The repeated occurrence of these fake death reports calls for a re-evaluation of journalistic practices in Nigeria. There is a pressing need for media organizations to implement stricter editorial controls and to prioritize accuracy over speed. In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, the role of the journalist as a gatekeeper of truth is more critical than ever. The case of Ned Nwoko should serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian media to uphold the principles of responsible journalism and to ensure that such egregious errors do not happen again.

It will be recalled in this context that late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President and a key figure in the country’s struggle for independence, was the subject of a significant media blunder in 1989 when news outlets erroneously reported his death. The false reports spread rapidly, causing widespread mourning across the nation and even leading to some official announcements. This incident highlighted the perils of irresponsible journalism, where the rush to break news led to the dissemination of unverified information. Azikiwe, who was very much alive at the time, expressed his displeasure at the premature announcement of his death, which disrupted his life and created unnecessary distress for his family and supporters.

The false death report of Nnamdi Azikiwe is a classic example of the dangers of inadequate fact-checking in journalism. Despite the initial confusion, the media outlets that had reported his death were eventually forced to retract their stories and issue apologies. Azikiwe went on to live for another seven years, finally passing away in 1996 at the age of 91. This incident remains a cautionary tale in the Nigerian media landscape, underscoring the importance of verifying facts, especially when reporting on sensitive issues like the death of a public figure.

In fact, the rumored death of late Chief Tony Anenih, a prominent Nigerian politician and former Minister of Works, spread like wildfire in 2012 as multiple news outlets carried the story, sending shockwaves across the nation. It was not long before it was revealed that Chief Anenih was very much alive. The premature report was met with outrage, and many questioned the ethical standards of the media outlets involved.

In a similar vein, the false death of General Ibrahim Babangida in 2017, by the social media and some mainstream media outlets were abuzz with reports that former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida had passed away. The news, which was unverified, quickly went viral, causing widespread panic. When the truth came out, that General Babangida was alive and well, it highlighted the dangers of spreading unconfirmed reports.

Also, the fake reports of the death of Senator David Dafinone in 2010, were later debunked, but not before causing significant distress to his family and friends. The incident highlighted the need for thorough verification before reporting such sensitive news.

In 2020, the social media was awash with rumors that veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie had passed away. The false reports quickly spread across various platforms, leading to an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues. However, Edochie himself later debunked the rumors, leaving many to question the ethics of those who had spread the false news.

If there is any celebrity who is alive today that has been reported more than once to have died, he is Nollywood veteran, Olu Jacobs is. In 2021, he was reported dead by some mischievous, careless and unethical internet buffs who were merely interested in click baits by reporting his purported death.  But his family debunk the sad news.  The first son of the acting legend, Soji, told Journalists that his octogenarian father was not dead as trumpeted online.

Again, in 2024, specifically in June, he was for the third time in four years reported to have died as the family was compelled to discredit the rumours of his death by sharinga video with Journalists showing Olu Jacobs, though frail, in good spirits while having his beard shaved and engaging in light conversation with his barber.

The video showed the son informing his father (Olu Jacobs) about the death rumours that surfaced online, and the actor appeared shocked. Mr. Jacobs, also speaking with QEDNG newspaper, expressed the family’s frustration with the recurring death rumours which surface yearly. He mentioned receiving numerous calls from concerned people worldwide and described the situation as annoying and distressing for the family.

These incidents are not isolated, and they highlight a systemic issue within the media landscape. The pressure to break news first often leads to a disregard for the fundamental principles of journalism, truth, accuracy, and fairness. Journalists and media outlets must remember that their primary duty is to inform the public, not to sensationalize or spread unverified information.

The ethical guidelines set by the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) and other media regulatory bodies are clear: journalists must verify facts before publishing, particularly when it comes to sensitive matters such as death. However, these guidelines are often ignored in the quest for clicks, views, and ratings.

To prevent such tragic mistakes from recurring, there must be a concerted effort to prioritize ethical journalism over the race to be first. Media organizations need to invest in thorough fact-checking processes and train their journalists on the importance of accuracy and verification. Moreover, regulatory bodies should enforce stricter penalties for media outlets that engage in the unethical practice of prematurely declaring individuals dead.

Also, the rush to break news should never come at the expense of truth and humanity. The damage caused by falsely reporting someone’s death is profound, both for the individuals involved and for the credibility of journalism as a whole. As gatekeepers of information, journalists have a duty to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Only by doing so can they truly serve the public and maintain the trust that is so essential to their role in society.