Media commentator and public affairs analyst, Comrade Nelson Agbajor, has urged the public to remain calm over misleading reports suggesting that a tricycle (keke) rider who assisted accident victims was arrested by police in Sapele, Delta State. He described the reports as false and advised journalists to embrace proper investigative journalism before publishing sensitive information.
Agbajor, who is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Nel Xpress Magazine and Inhispresence Live Media Network, made this known after conducting an independent investigation into the incident which occurred along the Okpe Road axis in Sapele Local Government Area. His findings revealed that contrary to the media reports, the good Samaritan was never arrested.
He explained that his conclusions were drawn after speaking directly with relevant security authorities in the area. "I have spoken with the police, and I can authoritatively say that no keke rider was arrested for helping accident victims," Agbajor confirmed.
The veteran journalist expressed disappointment at the speed with which some media outlets, particularly on social media, rush to publish unverified stories. He emphasized the importance of professionalism in journalism, especially in handling sensitive news that can cause public unrest.
"In our quest to be the first to break news, we must not sacrifice truth and accuracy. It is essential for media practitioners to take time and investigate stories thoroughly before going to press," he stated.
Nelson Agbajor reminded media professionals of the core tenets of journalism, which include fairness, objectivity, balance, and accuracy. According to him, these values are non-negotiable in maintaining public trust and ensuring credible reportage.
He specifically called on both mainstream and social media practitioners to embrace investigative and interpretative journalism. "We must imbibe the spirit of true journalism by reporting facts on the ground, rather than assumptions or hearsay," he advised.
While acknowledging the vital role of journalists and bloggers in informing the public, Agbajor cautioned against sensationalism and misinformation, which he noted could erode the credibility of the profession and create unnecessary panic among the populace.
Agbajor concluded by reiterating his earlier statement that the tricycle rider in question was never arrested, and he encouraged residents to disregard such misleading reports. He urged the media to work toward fostering peace and accurate reporting in society.
Nelson Agbajor
A Media Commentator and
Public Affairs Analyst
07019180204
29/05/2025
