Nigeria entertainment journalist Joey Akan, who has been in the middle of truth that led to the separation between Iyanya and his ex-business partner Ubi Franklin, and also the alleged rumored of sexual assault that Emma Nyra suffered in the hands of Ubi when she’s still with the Made Men Music Group family.
The music journalist Joey Akan who supposed to release Part 4 of his Iyanya vs Ubi Franklin series, which will feature the story of Emma Nyra, reportedly said that he won’t be posting the article anymore due to the safety of the main victim.
Recall that Joey had written a Emma Nyra signed an NDA with an N10m fine for any defaulter.
In one of Emma Nyra ‘s 2016 interview, she reportedly confirmed that he indeed abused her. “I went through a lot,” she said, without giving details because she said she’s not ready for it.
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Iyx11mF7hI
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 27, 2019
In another Instagram post, Joey addressed comments from people insinuating that he had been bribed to kill the story.
I choose to respond to you because you of all people need to be sensible, but you are not. In the past 5 days, I wrote one of my best stories ever. I did the sourcing right, went back 6 years ago, and investigated a crime. Ask my close friends and GF, I was possessed.
Thread. https://t.co/nfs0B0zyY2
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
Over 60 people who spoke to me as sources for the story had fears in their eyes as they pled anonymity. But they did it because they were brave, and wanted a bad person to lose, for the first time in the music industry. I even got a hold of Emma Nyra's contract details. It's in.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
But at the last minute, I got a call from a family, who have been central victims, hurt beyond measure, and whose story is heavily featured on it. They were fearing for their safety, and I had to listen to a woman beg me to put her family's life above my journalistic drive.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
You think there is no Part 4? Well ask the people who have helped with the editing of the 5000 word story: @Alithnayn @FuadXIV @Baba_Random and a few others. They screamed "Jesus!" as they read. It was solid work detailing diabolical crimes and abuse. I wanted that out.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
But you see eh, my training states that in situations like this, the victims need protection, and if my story would jeopardize their safety or put them through trauma again that would hurt them, then my journalism has no place in that. It's not a tool for negavity.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
So I chose my humanity over my journalism. I chose to protect lives, and save a hurt person from reliving that trauma at the request of her family. 4 times people have offered me money to leave that story, 4 times I blocked their numbers. I don't do low-handed journalism.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
It's the only reason why I have my credibility and integrity. I am not rich, but bribery isn't how I intend to build wealth. I can also not be threatened. No one has dirt on me to use. You can't blackmail me as Ubi tried to do, and I called him out here.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
He's also reached out to people, begging that part 4 doesn't come out. But I don't care for him. He is a thoroughbred villain. Villains have no right except a fair chance at speaking, which he did.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
I have only killed a story by myself once, and this is it. I will do it again, if I have evidence that I am endangering another life. My craft, isn't worth the death of a victim. And I chose humanity, any day over this. So yes, thanks to everyone who contributed to this. Thanks!
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
In summary:
1. I wrote my best story.
2. I never collected money or succumbed to threat. Ubi no reach.
3. I killed my story to protect lives, including children.
4. It hurts like hell.
5. One day, I hope it comes out, when people are less vulnerable.
6. I have more stories.— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
By the way, I have proof of all these. A kick-ass story which will not be released. A grateful mother who would not have more trauma or put in the way of harm, and children whose lives will not be under threat. I am happy I did this. Proud of myself even. End.
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) March 28, 2019
