This complaint was filed with the Commission on 15th July 2026 by Dr. Juana Paul Moiwo, Director of Research and Development, Njala University, against City Hunter Newspaper. One hearing session was conducted.
During the hearing, Dr. Juana Paul Moiwo restated his complaint in the presence of Mr. Abubakarr Kamara, Managing Editor of City Hunter Newspaper.
Complainant’s Case
Restating his complaint, Dr. Juana Paul Moiwo stated that he was dissatisfied with the publication by City Hunter Newspaper dated 1st July 2026, titled “MALADMINISTRATION: PROFESSOR BASHIRU KOROMA MUST GO.”
He explained that the article alleged that its contents were based on a letter he had written to the Ombudsman complaining about the persistent violation of the retirement provisions relating to Professor Bashiru Koroma. Dr. Moiwo stated that although the publication carried his full name and official title, he had no knowledge of the contents of the publication and was not the author of the alleged letter to the Ombudsman. He maintained that he would never take such action against his superior.
Dr. Moiwo further informed the Committee that Njala University was in the process of recruiting a Deputy Vice Chancellor and that he was one of the candidates vying for the position. He stated that the interviews had already been conducted and that the candidates were awaiting the outcome. Against this background, he expressed concern that the publication, which falsely associated him with allegations against his superior, had the potential to destroy the reputation and professional credibility he had built over the years.
Respondent’s Case
In response to the complaint, Mr. Abubakarr Kamara, Managing Editor of City Hunter Newspaper, stated that he had no intention of tarnishing the character or reputation of Dr. Juana Paul Moiwo. He explained that the publication was based on a leaked document which, according to him, had already been circulated and published by other media institutions.
Mr. Kamara further stated that, in light of Dr. Moiwo’s denial of authoring the alleged letter addressed to the Ombudsman, he would not waste the Committee’s time by insisting on the authenticity of the publication. Consequently, he indicated that he no longer stood by the story and expressed his willingness to take appropriate steps to clear Dr. Moiwo’s name.
He also informed the Committee that he was aware of the internal conflicts at Njala University and believed that the alleged letter could have been authored by another individual with the intention of damaging Dr. Moiwo’s reputation. According to Mr. Kamara, the letter in question was purportedly addressed to the Office of the Ombudsman, with copies circulated to several media institutions and civil society organizations.
Committee’s Findings
The Committee noted that the respondent did not waste the Committee’s time. He readily admitted that he could no longer stand by the publication after the complainant denied authoring the alleged letter. The respondent also voluntarily expressed his willingness to clear the complainant’s name.
Ruling
The Independent Media Commission at its meeting held on 28th May 2026, ratified the recommendation of the Complaints Committee in line with Section 19(6) of the IMC Act 2020, as follows:
- That the journalist publishes a retraction of the article.
- That the journalist issues a public apology to the complainant.
- That the journalist takes appropriate steps to clear the complainant’s name.
