Igbo Times Publisher Admits Fabricating Stories On Soludo, Issues Public Apology

The owner and publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, Ejike Ofoegbu Experience, has publicly admitted that several reports published by his media platforms about Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, were entirely fabricated, offering an unreserved apology to the governor, his family and the public.

In a statement titled “Public Apology and Full Retraction,” Ofoegbu acknowledged that the stories, many of which contained inflammatory and fictitious quotations attributed to Governor Soludo and his son, had no factual basis and should never have been published.

He admitted that the reports did not originate from Governor Soludo, his son, any member of the governor’s family or any official representative. According to him, the stories were not supported by verified facts or credible sources.

Among the publications he retracted were claims that Governor Soludo had disowned his son, Ozo; alleged comments in which Ozo accused his father of being a drunkard who abused his mother; and other fabricated posts purportedly quoting both father and son. One of the withdrawn stories even claimed Governor Soludo jokingly said he ordered his son from the online shopping platform, Temu.

Ofoegbu also admitted publishing false stories involving Governor Soludo and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, including reports suggesting that Obi would defeat Soludo in an election. He stated that those stories were equally false and should be disregarded.

“I publicly admit that the stories I published concerning Governor Soludo and his son were completely fake, false, fabricated and untrue. They did not come from Governor Soludo, his son, his family or any official representative. They were not based on any verified facts or credible sources and they should never have been presented as news,” he said.

The publisher said he took full responsibility for the publications, admitting that they were motivated by the desire to generate online traffic, increase audience engagement and make financial gains.

“I sincerely admit that I published such stories in pursuit of online traffic, audience engagement and financial gain. I now realise that no amount of money or online attention can justify spreading false information or damaging another person’s reputation,” he stated.

He expressed regret over the embarrassment, reputational damage and public misunderstanding the publications may have caused Governor Soludo, his family, associates and members of the public.

Ofoegbu apologised directly to Governor Soludo, the people of Anambra State, readers of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, and everyone who read or shared the false reports. He appealed for forgiveness and assured the public that he had learnt from the incident.

Describing the statement as a full and unconditional retraction, he urged the public to disregard all the affected publications in their entirety, stressing that they were false and should not be treated as factual reports.

The public apology has since generated widespread reactions, with many describing it as a reminder of the need for accuracy, verification and accountability in journalism, especially at a time when false information spreads rapidly on digital platforms.