Real Reason VP Shettima’s Aide Was Sacked

Fegho Umunubo, former Special Assistant on Digital and Creative Economy in the Office of the Vice President, was dismissed after allegations emerged that he misused his position to defraud individuals and organisations in Nigeria’s creative sector. Investigations suggest that Umunubo promised sponsorships and access to government-backed funds that never materialised, while presenting himself as authorised to sign agreements on behalf of the Vice President.

A notable case involved Arese Ugwu, creator of The Smart Money Woman, who publicly accused Umunubo of failing to honour a N10 million sponsorship agreement for the premiere of her spin-off series, Lara Unlimited. According to Ugwu, Umunubo also claimed access to larger funds, including $617 million and N5 billion, which were never provided. She added that Umunubo had no authorisation to enter into such deals, misleading creatives who trusted him.

Sources within the presidency described this incident as part of a recurring pattern of unfulfilled promises in the creative industry linked to Umunubo. His actions prompted the State House to issue a formal statement clarifying that he no longer represented the government and warning the public against engaging with him in any official capacity.

Umunubo later responded on social media, saying, “It’s been an honour to serve this great country and the creative industry,” but he did not directly address the allegations.