Nduka Irabor (born December 9, 1958) is a seminal figure in Nigerian media and politics. Most famous for being jailed alongside Tunde Thompson in 1984 under the military regime’s Decree No. 4, he transitioned from a “martyr of the pen” to a powerful political communications expert and legislator. As of January 2026, he remains an influential elder statesman in the Nigerian media landscape, often celebrated for his unwavering professional ethics.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Nduka Irabor |
| Born | December 9, 1958, Boji-Boji Owa, Delta State |
| Former Office | Member, House of Representatives (1999–2003) |
| Key Role | Chief Press Secretary to Vice President Admiral Augustus Aikhomu |
| Media Legacy | Editor, The Guardian Express; News Editor, The Guardian |
| Education | Commonwealth Press Union Fellowship |
| Current Status | Media and Public Affairs Consultant; Chairman, League Management Company (LMC) |
The 1984 “Decree 4” Trial
Irabor’s legacy is forever tied to his time at The Guardian. In 1984, he was the Assistant News Editor when he and Thompson broke the story on sensitive diplomatic and military postings.
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The Standoff: Despite intense pressure from the military tribunal, Irabor and Thompson refused to reveal their sources. This act of defiance made them heroes in the eyes of the Nigerian public and civil society.
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The “Accurate” Falsehood: In a historical irony, it was confirmed decades later (notably in the 2025 memoir of General Haladu Hananiya) that the story for which they were jailed was 100% accurate. The military government had prosecuted them not for lying, but for “embarrassing” the state by leaking the truth.
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Transition to the “Corridors of Power”
After his release in 1985 by the Babangida regime, Irabor’s career took a strategic turn toward government communication.
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The Aikhomu Years: He became the Chief Press Secretary to the Vice President (Chief of General Staff), Admiral Augustus Aikhomu.
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The June 12 Crisis: Perhaps his most controversial historical moment came in 1993, when he was the official who signed and circulated the press statement annulling the June 12 Presidential Election. He has largely remained silent on this specific event for decades, choosing to let the historical record speak for itself.
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National Assembly: In 1999, with the return of democracy, he was elected to the House of Representatives representing Ika Federal Constituency (Delta State), where he chaired the Committee on Communications.
Current Status (January 2026)
As of January 6, 2026, Nduka Irabor remains a highly respected voice in both media and sports administration.
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Media Reunion (April 2025): On April 10, 2025, Irabor was the guest of honor at a major “Reunion Soiree” in Lagos, where veteran journalists gathered to celebrate the 41st anniversary of his stance against Decree 4. The event was used as a platform to warn against modern attempts to “muzzle” the Nigerian media through social media regulations.
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Sports Leadership: He continues to be a key figure in the League Management Company (LMC), where he has applied his communications and legislative experience to reform the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
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65th Birthday Honors: In late 2024, prominent leaders, including the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, celebrated Irabor’s 65th birthday, hailing him as a “man of history” and a “gentleman of the press” whose sacrifice paved the way for modern Nigerian democracy.
Note: He is often confused in search queries with General Lucky Irabor, the former Chief of Defence Staff (who recently released his book Scars in October 2025). Nduka Irabor is a journalist and civilian politician.