Journalist Bagauda Kaltho Vindicated — Widow Speaks After Tinubu’s Posthumous Honour

The widow of late investigative journalist Bagauda Kaltho has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the posthumous national honour conferred on her husband, describing it as a long-overdue vindication and a silencing of years of falsehood surrounding his disappearance and death.

President Tinubu, on Thursday, awarded Kaltho the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), recognizing his courage and commitment to truth in journalism.

Kaltho, renowned for his fearless reporting during Nigeria’s military era, disappeared under mysterious circumstances between late 1996 and early 1997 while investigating a sensitive story. His fate remained clouded in controversy, with various conspiracy theories and misinformation casting shadows on his legacy for decades.

In an emotional statement on Thursday, Martha Kaltho, his widow, thanked the president for what she described as a “restoration of justice” to her husband’s name and a symbolic victory for truth.

“Though he paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, today’s gesture by the Nigerian government restores dignity to his memory and reminds us all of the enduring value of courageous journalism,” she said.

Mrs. Kaltho noted that the honour not only validated her husband’s sacrifices but also put to rest negative speculations that had trailed his tragic story.

“With this honour, all lingering speculations surrounding his death have been effectively laid to rest, and those who once peddled falsehoods have been silenced,” she added.
“For me, this is the greatest source of joy — knowing that truth has finally prevailed and his legacy has been vindicated.”

She recalled President Tinubu’s earlier recognition of her husband’s contributions to journalism, particularly in 1999, when Tinubu — then Governor of Lagos State — renamed the Lagos State Press Centre the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre.

“These actions will remain engraved in our hearts,” she said.

Mrs. Kaltho further emphasized that the national recognition stands as a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of those who speak truth to power are never forgotten.

She also extended appreciation to all individuals and organizations who supported the family through years of uncertainty and grief.

“I thank all those too numerous to mention who have stood by us through the trying periods till now,” she said.

A Call to the Next Generation

Closing her statement, Mrs. Kaltho urged young journalists to take inspiration from her husband’s legacy.

“May this honour inspire a new generation of journalists to remain fearless in their pursuit of truth, even in the face of adversity.”