Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, a veteran Nigerian journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, has died in Lagos at the age of 75 following a brief illness.
A native of Ologba, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Mohammed passed away on Tuesday night, January 13, 2026, less than two months after the death of his fellow Newswatch co-founder Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025 at 81.
Mohammed was instrumental in establishing Newswatch in 1984, alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Dan Agbese.
The magazine became a leading voice in investigative journalism, providing independent reporting and holding public institutions accountable during a period of military rule.
His career in journalism spanned several decades. He began at New Nigerian Newspapers, rising to Associate Editor and Managing Editor, before moving to National Concord as Deputy Editor and Editor.
After co-founding Newswatch, he held key leadership roles, including Executive Editor, Managing Editor, and Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
In October 2025, he published his memoir, Beyond Expectations, reflecting on his career, the challenges of running a bold investigative magazine, and the assassination of founding editor Dele Giwa.
Outside journalism, Mohammed contributed to academia and public service.
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He served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and held directorships in several organisations.
He was also an active member of professional journalism associations.
Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State described Mohammed as a trailblazer whose work shaped modern Nigerian journalism and strengthened public discourse.
The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements, though preparations are reportedly ongoing in Lagos.