Metro TV has publicly apologised and withdrawn a false report that wrongly claimed businesswoman Esther Araba Assabil, popularly known as Araba, had died in Canada, admitting the publication was inaccurate and should never have been published.
In a statement issued by management of Metro TV, part of the Ignite Media Group on Tuesday, July 14, Metro TV said it had become aware of a formal complaint over a story published on its digital platforms on March 11, 2026, which falsely announced Ms Assabil’s death.
Following what it described as a thorough review, the media organisation acknowledged that the report was incorrect and formally retracted it in its entirety.
The broadcaster stressed that Ms Assabil is alive and said the publication announcing her death was false.
Metro TV offered what it described as its “sincerest and unqualified apology” to Ms Assabil, her family, friends, business associates and the general public for the distress, anxiety and inconvenience caused by the erroneous report.
The station accepted full responsibility for the mistake, saying its editorial processes had fallen below the standards of accuracy, fairness and verification expected of a responsible news organisation.
It said it deeply regretted the lapse and had begun removing the story from all its digital platforms and archives.
Metro TV also announced that it was reviewing its editorial verification procedures to strengthen its fact checking processes and prevent similar incidents in future.
The broadcaster reaffirmed its commitment to professional, accurate and responsible journalism, saying it remains dedicated to maintaining the trust of its viewers and the wider public.
