The publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, Ejike Ofoegbu Experience, has issued a public apology to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo over a series of false and fabricated reports concerning his son, Ozonna, and other family members.
In a statement released on Sunday, July 12, Experience admitted that the stories published on his platforms were entirely fake, not sourced from Governor Soludo, his son, or any official representative.
“They were not based on any verified facts or credible sources and should never have been presented as news,” Experience said.
Among the fabricated headlines were, “Breaking News: ‘I will arrest anyone who calls Ozo my son. He is not my son. I disowned him years ago, and he is no longer a member of the Soludo family”, “Just In: I Don’t Take Advice From My Father. He Was a Drunkard Who Beat My Mom When I Was Young… — ‘Soludo’s Son’ Speaks Out.”
Others are, “Breaking News: ‘I ordered Ozo from Temu. He is Chinese-made, not my son…’ Soludo jokingly told reporters”, “Breaking News: ‘They should organize a drinking competition between my father and Wike…’ — Ozo.”
Experience also apologised for similar false reports published about Governor Soludo and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
He took full responsibility for the publications, which he said were released solely to drive online traffic, audience engagement, and financial gain.
“I also apologise to the people of Anambra State, readers of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, and everyone who may have seen or shared these false publications.
“I am committed to correcting this mistake and ensuring that such an incident does not happen again. This statement serves as my full and unconditional retraction of those publications. They were false, fabricated, and should be disregarded in their entirety.
“Once again, I sincerely ask Governor Soludo, his family, and the general public to forgive me,” he added.