RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
Veteran Abuja-based sports journalist Adeolu Johnson has reportedly died following a critical illness, amid allegations that money contributed by colleagues for his medical treatment was diverted by his second wife.
The development became public after sports journalist Abiola Shodiya shared an account of the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s illness and the fundraising efforts organised to support his treatment.
In a post on X, Shodiya disclosed that colleagues and associates within the sports journalism community had contributed money to assist the ailing journalist with hospital bills and medication.
According to him, the fundraising initiative was undertaken after Johnson’s health deteriorated and he required financial assistance to meet his medical expenses.
Shodiya alleged that the first instalment of the donations was made available for Johnson’s treatment, while a larger second payment was subsequently transferred.
However, he claimed that Johnson’s second wife, who reportedly had access to the journalist’s bank account, disappeared after the second payment was received.
The journalist subsequently died, although the precise circumstances and medical cause of his death were not disclosed.
Shodiya’s account has drawn attention to the difficulties colleagues reportedly encountered while attempting to support Johnson during his illness.
Another sports journalist, Olujide Olusola, also commented on the development, alleging that the woman was unaware of Johnson’s death until someone contacted her.
According to Olusola, the news of the journalist’s passing was subsequently communicated to her.
However, the allegations concerning the medical donations have not been independently established.
The amount reportedly contributed, the exact sum allegedly missing, and the circumstances surrounding the woman’s reported absence remain unclear.
There has also been no publicly verified account from Johnson’s second wife responding to the allegations.
Similarly, no official police statement or evidence of a criminal investigation into the alleged diversion of funds was identified in the reports reviewed.
Johnson’s reported death has brought attention to the solidarity shown by colleagues who contributed towards his medical care.
The allegations surrounding the donations remain unresolved and should not be treated as established wrongdoing without further evidence or an official investigation.
