I Am Scared For My Life, Says Journalist That Exposed Cotonou Degree Certificate Scam

I am scared for my life, a journalist who uncovered Cotonou degree certificate scam, said.

An investigative journalist, Mr. Umar Audu, has expressed his fears following his recent report, exposing degree certificate scam in Togo and Benin Republic.

Recall that a journalist who is a Daily Nigerian reporter has reported recently that he earned a degree certificate in just six (6) weeks after his enrollment in one of these universities and he was immediately mobilized for the NYSC national program.

The journalist, who confirmed that he's currently in hiding, said he got the degree certificate in Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, Cotonou, Benin Republic.

In an exclusive interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, Mr. Audu expressed fears because of the failure of Nigerian authorities to encourage journalism. Unfortunately, the safety and wellbeing of journalists in the country can not be guaranteed, he added.

When the Channels TV anchor asked Mr. Umar whether he's experiencing any form of threat, Umar said, in spite the fact that he did not experience any threat so far, he is still in the hiding to protect his life and wellbeing.

"My friends and family are in fears because they believe my life and wellbeing are on the line. They are very much worried, but as a journalist, I believe I am at liberty to do my job without the slightest fear."

"This development has hinted the type of people we are living with. Journalists ought to do their jobs peacefully, and should be provided with adequate security that will ensure protection of their lives and wellbeing."

"I want to use this platform to appeal to authorities to ensure protection of my life, despite the fact that I am currently hiding in a well secured place. However, I still can not tell what is going to happen in coming days, because I am receiving a lot of questions because my report has been widely circulated all over the world. Though I am yet to experience any attempt on my life." Said the journalist.

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