A prominent human rights organisation, the Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN), has launched a scathing attack on Omoyele Sowore, accusing the Sahara Reporters owner of exploiting his editorial staff and violating basic labour laws.
In a statement issued after their meeting in Abuja on Sunday, the SRLN condemned Sowore for underpaying his workers, stating that many journalists at the online news platform are paid a meagre amount per story without a formal employment contract or any guaranteed monthly salary.
Dr. Chima Ubeku, the group’s Coordinator, said the situation is deeply troubling, especially given that the Sahara Reporters owner is reportedly spending over N200 million annually on his child’s school fees while his workers are left struggling.
“It’s heartbreaking to see workers risking their lives daily to deliver stories without the basic rights that every employee deserves,” Dr. Ubeku lamented.
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The SRLN’s statement also noted Sowore’s hypocrisy, pointing out his public stance advocating for higher wages for police officers, while his own staff, responsible for reporting vital news stories, receive no guaranteed salary.
“Sowore demands that policemen earn at least ₦500,000 monthly, yet his own journalists are left with nothing more than a pittance for each story they submit,” the statement read.
The rights group further criticised Sowore for violating the Labour Act of 2004, which outlines the rights and entitlements of workers in Nigeria. The SRLN called on the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to step in and address what they described as “inhumane” working conditions at Sahara Reporters, insisting that the journalists deserve better treatment and employment security.
