FACT CHECK: Did Arise News Suspend Rufai Oseni? Truth Emerges as Journalist Debunks Viral Claim
Advertisements
Claim: Arise News has suspended popular broadcaster Rufai Oseni after he allegedly got into an argument with his boss and banged on a table.
Verdict: FALSE
A viral post circulating on social media claiming that Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni has been suspended from the television station is false, a fact-check investigation confirms.
Advertisements
Ejes Gist News reports that the journalist personally debunked the claim on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, while available evidence shows the rumour originated from an account with a documented history of spreading politically motivated falsehoods.
The Origin of the False Claim
The rumour was posted on Monday, April 14, 2026, by an X user operating under the handle @HighChiefOkoro, who identifies himself as “High Chief Lawrence Igb.” The post stated:
Advertisements
“BREAKING: Rufai Oseni has been suspended by Arise News. Reports say he got into an argument with his boss and banged on the table.”
The post gained traction, amassing more than 44,000 views and spreading to the Nigerian forum Nairaland, where several commenters reacted without verifying the claim.
One commenter wrote: “At last, what a disgraceful exit. After all the talkativeness, he eventually got fired.”
Another stated: “Nice one, no time for mediocre.”
The Source: A History of Misinformation
The individual behind the claim, High Chief Lawrence Okoro (@HighChiefOkoro), has a documented pattern of sharing false or misleading information, particularly targeting opposition figures and journalists perceived as critical of the government.
A previous fact-check by FactWatch examined another claim by the same X user, who shared a 2021 video of an attack on WASSCE students in the South-East and falsely alleged that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had refused to condemn the incident.
That investigation found the claim to be false, noting that Obi had, in fact, condemned the attack in 2021, describing it as “un-Igbo, out of place, and misguided aggression.”
Rufai Oseni’s Response
Rufai Oseni has publicly responded to the viral claim, denying any suspension.
The broadcaster used his verified X handle to dismiss the report, describing it as a fabrication originating from a politically motivated source.
Oseni remains an active anchor at Arise News, where he continues to host The Morning Show.
Pattern of False Claims and Public Attacks
This is not the first instance in which Oseni has been the subject of false suspension claims or calls for his removal.
In March 2026, Joe Igbokwe, an All Progressives Congress chieftain, called for Oseni’s dismissal following a heated on-air exchange with Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman.
During the broadcast, Oseni challenged the ambassador, stating: “Hang on a minute, let me finish. Do not interrupt me, ambassador. Let me finish.”
Igbokwe subsequently criticised the journalist on Facebook, describing his conduct as unprofessional and calling for disciplinary action.
Despite the criticism, Oseni retained his role, and no suspension was announced by Arise News.
No Official Statement from Arise News
As of the time of this report, Arise News has not issued any statement indicating that Rufai Oseni has been suspended.
The broadcaster continues to appear in scheduled programming, and there is no verifiable evidence from the network or any credible media organisation supporting the claim.
Verification Outcome
Available evidence shows that the claim originated from an unverified social media source with a record of misinformation and has been directly refuted by the subject of the claim.
Summary of Findings
- Claim: Rufai Oseni suspended by Arise News
- Source: @HighChiefOkoro
- Source Credibility: Previously linked to false claims
- Oseni’s Response: Publicly denied on verified X account
- Arise News Statement: None issued
- Verdict: FALSE
This fact-check forms part of ongoing efforts to counter misinformation and provide verified, evidence-based reporting.
