Claims of media misrepresentation have emerged following a report by The Punch on leadership issues within the Nigerians in the United Kingdom (NIUK) online community, with several former members disputing the newspaper’s characterisation of events as a “leadership tussle”.

In an article published by The Punch, the platform reported that a leadership crisis rocked NIUK in early 2025, leading to mass resignations. The report included comments from the group’s former leader, Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as #OluomoOfDerby, who described NIUK as a community he founded in 2022 to support Nigerians in the UK facing immigration challenges, loneliness, bereavement and employment difficulties.

However, critics of the report argue that the situation was not a leadership dispute but rather centred on allegations of financial impropriety.

Posting on X, Ogbeni Dipo accused The Punch of allowing itself to be used to “whitewash fraud and corruption”. He claimed there was no leadership tussle in January 2025 and alleged that concerns raised within NIUK related to undisclosed funds allegedly paid into a private account linked to the former leader.

He further referenced investigative reports by FIJ Nigeria, which he said had previously published multiple cases connected to Certificate of Sponsorship #CoS scams involving the same individual.

Another former #NIUK member, Tomori Simisola, also challenged the newspaper’s framing of events. She alleged that access to the community’s account was taken over without consent and that concerns were raised after members discovered payments for immigration-related assistance were allegedly being received through a personal bank account. She further claimed that fundraising proceeds linked to a GoFundMe campaign were not fully disbursed as expected, prompting public criticism.

Both commentators expressed disappointment that a mainstream media outlet would describe the situation as a leadership struggle rather than reporting the allegations of misconduct that, they claim, led to the former leader’s removal.

In the Punch interview, Mr Kuti denied personalising the organisation and maintained that NIUK was run as a democratic entity. He highlighted charitable activities carried out during his tenure, including organising fundraising campaigns for bereaved families, supporting immigration regularisation efforts, and attending funerals of Nigerians who died in the UK. He acknowledged that mistakes can occur in leadership but stressed that issues should be addressed “with love, not hostility”.

Other commentators have called for greater scrutiny. One response shared online described the issue as a matter of public interest, urging media organisations to verify claims thoroughly and avoid presenting contested narratives as established fact, particularly where allegations of financial misconduct exist.

As of now, no criminal conviction has been reported in relation to the allegations, and the claims remain disputed. Media analysts note that the controversy highlights broader concerns around accountability within diaspora-led organisations and the responsibility of news outlets to clearly distinguish between leadership disputes and allegations of wrongdoing.

Calls have continued for The Punch to clarify or review its reporting, as discussions around transparency, governance and trust within diaspora communities persist.