An increasing public conflict has captured significant interest throughout Nigeria's media landscape, as Reno Omokri, a former advisor to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, formally sued Rufai Oseni, an anchor on Arise Television, over an alleged threat to Omokri's life.
Omokri has charged Oseni with making a series of death threats in a recorded phone conversation to a relative, and the Federal High Court in Lagos has launched the action in response. Oseni was referred to by Omokri as a "notorious obedient news anchor." Omokri said in a social media post that he was forced to take legal action due to ongoing threats, which included rumours of individuals following him and even paying a visit to his home in the UK, where he now resides.
The feud intensified when Omokri said that he had petitioned the Nigerian Police Force to investigate threats made by people he knows to be associated with political supporters, such as one who backed Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party. To underscore how seriously he takes his security, Omokri publicly commended the police for their swift action in initiating investigations into these threats.
The tense history between Omokri and Rufai Oseni is at the heart of the disagreement and adds another layer of complexity to the accusations. Oseni has previously claimed kinship with Omokri, although Omokri has denied any blood relations. Omokri claims that Oseni was really a former recipient of his family's charity, which helped him out when times were bad, since his family was poor. It was after receiving help from Omokri's family that Oseni was accused by Omokri of "biting the finger that fed him," suggesting treachery. Omokri mentioned Oseni's journalistic ethics in a derogatory light, calling him "notorious" while critiquing his work.
In reaction, Rufai Oseni openly denied Omokri’s claims of kinship and the charge that he was ever dependent on Omokri’s family. Oseni denounced Omokri’s charges as untrue and part of a continuing attempt to blackmail him, noting a prior controversial interview he held with Omokri. Oseni stated that he was nurtured by his father and that the charity claim was bogus. He resolved to continue his journalistic job without being sidetracked by what he termed “unproductive conversations” with “unstable persons”.
The friction between the two characters has therefore emerged not just as a judicial case but also as a nasty public rivalry that has played out throughout social media and conventional media platforms.
Observers observe that this rivalry symbolizes wider political and media dynamics in Nigeria, where journalists and political pundits routinely struggle for narratives and influence. Omokri's high-profile political experience as a former presidential assistant and his strong social media presence enhance the public interest around the issue.
Reno Omokri’s decision to take the case to court signals a dramatic escalation, going beyond social media disagreements to a real legal procedure. It raises concerns about personal safety among public personalities and the legal options available to address alleged threats of violence in Nigeria’s media ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force has been brought into the debate, with Omokri’s legal petitions sparking official investigations. The police’s engagement emphasizes the legal and security ramifications of verbal threats in the media and political realm, demonstrating a commitment to preserving the rule of law and safeguarding civilians against intimidation or violence.
As of mid-July 2025, no hearing dates have been officially given for the case, and both sides continue to clarify their arguments via comments on numerous venues. The continuing conflict raises major considerations regarding media ethics, political competition, and the limitations of public discourse in Nigeria.
In summary, the case brought by Reno Omokri against Arise TV anchorman Rufai Oseni hinges on an alleged death threat issued by Oseni in a recorded phone conversation. Omokri alleges Oseni has intensified threats that have threatened his safety, requiring legal proceedings and police involvement. The debate also reveals personal and historical grudges between the two individuals, with important public and political ramifications inside Nigeria’s media and political environment.
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