Nigerian Guild of Editors suspends Steve Osuji for one year for breach of media ethics
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has suspended veteran journalist, Mr. Steve Osuji, from the professional body for a period of one year over what it described as a serious breach of journalistic ethics.
According to a letter dated July 4, 2025, and signed by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the suspension takes immediate effect and stems from Osuji’s violation of an off-the-record agreement during the Guild’s 25th Biennial National Convention held in Enugu on June 27.
The Guild stated that Osuji disclosed confidential information from a presentation made by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi—information which had been shared with Guild members under a strict non-disclosure understanding.
Citing Article 4 of the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists concerning privilege and non-disclosure, the Guild emphasized that its members are bound to uphold confidentiality agreements and protect sources who offer information off the record or in the background.
“During the investigation into your actions, you were given an opportunity to defend yourself. However, instead of acknowledging your mistake, you threatened the Guild with further publications,” the letter read.
While noting that Osuji reserves the right to appeal the decision, the Guild reiterated its commitment to upholding ethical standards in journalism and warned that it would not tolerate any breach of its code.
The disciplinary action was approved by the Standing Committee of the Guild, whose membership includes leading editors from across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Below is the full text of the statement dated June 4, 2025
At the 25th Biennial National Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held in Enugu, a keynote address was delivered by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, under the explicit agreement that his presentation was off-record and not for publication.
Despite this agreement, a senior journalist and member of the Guild, Mr. Steve Osuji, published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, breaching our Code of Ethics on confidentiality.
The NGE takes this professional misconduct seriously, and has announced the suspension of Mr. Osuji from our professional body, effective immediately.
Mr Osuji’s action doesn’t represent who we are – as members of a respected professional body in the media landscape.
Indeed, our investigation confirmed that Mr. Osuji’s actions compromised the integrity of our profession.
“Off record” conversations are a crucial aspect of journalistic practice, allowing sources to share sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality. A breach of such agreement undermines trust and can have serious consequences.
We apologize to the Director-General of the SSS and the institution he represents for the embarrassment caused by Mr. Osuji’s actions.
We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ensuring that our members adhere to our code of ethics. Mr. Osuji will have the opportunity to appeal this decision.
The NGE remains dedicated to promoting professional conduct and maintaining public trust in the media.
Signed: Eze Anaba (President) Onuoha Ukeh (General Secretary)
