Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A group of Abuja-based lawyers has petitioned the Attorney General of the State of New York, United States of America, requesting an investigation into the financial activities of Sahara Media Group Incorporated and its owner, Mr. Omoyele Sowore.
The petition, filed on behalf of the group by Heartland Advisors & Solicitors and dated October 7, 2025, was submitted at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. The lawyers also called for the “suspension and/or invalidation of Mr. Sowore’s U.S. travel documents.”
In the document signed by Barrister Sunday Oluwole and Barrister Felix Olanrewaju Wolemiwa, the lawyers requested a detailed examination of Sahara Media Group Inc.’s financial records, including the MacArthur Foundation grant, to determine compliance with New York nonprofit laws (N-PCL § 112). They further asked for a review of Sowore’s individual and corporate tax filings to verify if funds were properly declared and used for legitimate purposes.
The petition, titled “Request for Investigation into Financial Activities of Sahara Media Group Inc. and Mr. Omoyele Sowore,” expressed concerns about potential discrepancies in nonprofit financial reporting, tax compliance, and asset declarations. It alleged that these issues could affect both U.S. and Nigerian public interests.
According to the petitioners, Sahara Media Group Inc., which operates Sahara Reporters, received a $1.3 million grant from the MacArthur Foundation (2016–2019) for journalist training in Nigeria. However, they claimed there has been limited public reporting on how the funds were utilized, possibly breaching New York’s nonprofit transparency laws.
The lawyers also cited alleged inconsistencies in asset declarations, noting that Sowore declared to Nigeria’s INEC in 2023 only one property in Nigeria valued at ₦5 million and a 2008 Toyota Camry, yet U.S. property records reportedly show he purchased a house in 2018 valued at about $552,000. This, they said, raises questions about concealment of assets or perjury under Nigerian law and possible U.S. tax implications.
Additionally, the petition referenced Sowore’s financial capacity and lifestyle, noting that his son attends Dwight-Englewood School in New Jersey, with tuition of approximately $59,235 (2024–2025). They argued that this, combined with his political campaigns, may not align with the reported income of Sahara Media Group.
The lawyers also revisited a 2018 GoFundMe suspension of a $2 million fundraiser for Sowore’s “Take Back Nigeria Movement,” saying the event warranted renewed scrutiny to ensure compliance with charitable solicitation laws.
They urged the New York Attorney General to thoroughly investigate Sahara Media Group’s financial operations, verify fund usage, assess Sowore’s tax compliance, and consider suspending his U.S. travel documents if necessary.
The petition concluded that the request was made “in good faith to promote accountability, transparency, and protect public trust in nonprofit and cross-border political activities.”
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