Former Voice of America (VOA) Hausa journalist, Saleh Ashaka, has died in Egypt at the age of 42 after a prolonged illness.
His death was confirmed by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who described it as a “monumental loss.”
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un! With a very heavy heart, I received the news of the passing of our younger brother, Malam Saleh Shehu Ashaka (RH). This is indeed a monumental loss of one of the most productive members of our younger generation,” Pantami wrote in a post on X.
He extended condolences to Ashaka’s family, friends, and associates, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Similarly, the Connected Development (CODE) organisation has expressed grief over his passing.
In a statement issued on Monday, Hamzat Lawal, founder of CODE, described the late journalist as a “veteran journalist, patriot, and deeply cherished close associate” of the organisation.
He noted that Ashaka built a strong reputation for integrity during his years at VOA and Politics Digest, where he was known for holding power to account and amplifying underreported voices.
Lawal added that Ashaka was closely aligned with CODE’s mission of promoting transparency and accountability.
Ashaka gained international attention in 2017 when he was detained and interrogated by US security agents at an American airport during the first administration of former President Donald Trump.