Veteran Abuja-based sports journalist Adeolu Johnson has died following a critical illness, days after colleagues reportedly raised funds to support his medical treatment.
His death has sparked concern after allegations emerged that donations raised for his hospital bills may have disappeared after being received by his second wife.
Sports writer and integrity advocate Abiola Shodiya raised the allegations in a post on X on October 28, 2026. He recounted how colleagues and contacts within the sports industry came together to raise money for Johnson after his health deteriorated.
According to Shodiya, the first batch of donations was sent to cover Johnson’s hospital bills and medication. However, he alleged that his second wife, who had access to the journalist’s bank account, disappeared after receiving a larger second payment.
In his post, Shodiya expressed sadness over Johnson’s death and the circumstances surrounding the donations.
He wrote: “An Abuja-based veteran sports journalist became critically ill. Colleagues came together to raise funds for him, even using contacts within the sector.
“The first tranche of money was sent to him for hospital bills and medications.
“The second tranche, which was a heavier bag, was sent and his second wife who had access to his account ran away with the money.
“The man just died. May his soul rest in peace.”
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Another journalist, Olujide Olusola, also commented on the incident. He reportedly claimed that Johnson’s second wife did not know he had died until someone contacted her.
According to Olusola, the woman was informed of Johnson’s death after the person reached out to her, following which his passing was confirmed.
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The allegations have raised questions about the handling of the donations contributed by colleagues who hoped to help Johnson receive the medical care he needed.
However, the circumstances surrounding the alleged disappearance of the funds have not been independently established. The claims about the journalist’s second wife also remain allegations.
Johnson’s death has left colleagues and members of the sports journalism community mourning the loss of a veteran professional. May his soul rest in peace.
