Fresh details have emerged on why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed Fegho Umunubo, his Special Assistant on Digital and Creative Economy, who served in the office of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Basil-Momodu-Esq1.png")
Presidency sources told PREMIUM TIMES that Umunubo was removed after being linked to a series of scams in the creative industry, which he allegedly carried out under the guise of his presidential office.
According to insiders, he struck dubious sponsorship deals with filmmakers and creatives, promising government-backed funding and visibility that never materialised.
One of the most notable cases involved author and filmmaker Arese Ugwu, creator of The Smart Money Woman series. Documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES show that Umunubo, acting in his official capacity, signed an agreement pledging ₦10 million sponsorship for the premiere and marketing of Lara Unlimited, a spin-off of Ugwu’s work.
The deal promised promotional rights for the presidency’s digital economy office, including branding on event backdrops, adverts before screenings, podcast features, and influencer shoutouts. However, Umunubo allegedly failed to honour the terms.
On 30 August, Ms. Ugwu publicly accused him of fraud via Instagram, claiming he leveraged false promises of access to a $617 million and ₦5 billion fund to win her trust. “He owes me ₦10 million, but this is about something bigger… finding out that he had no authorisation to be signing the agreements he was signing or making the promises he was making on behalf of the Vice President of Nigeria,” she wrote.
Presidency insiders said the case was not isolated, alleging that Umunubo lured several Nollywood figures into similar deals that collapsed.
“He scammed multiple people in the industry using that office,” one source told PREMIUM TIMES.
Although Umunubo was quietly relieved of his duties in August, sources said he continued to parade himself as a presidential aide, prompting the State House to issue a disclaimer on Monday.
In a statement signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, the government warned stakeholders in the digital and creative sector against dealing with Umunubo.
“Kindly note that he no longer represents this administration in any capacity. Henceforth, anyone who interfaces with him in the name of President Tinubu’s administration does so at his or her own risk,” the statement read.
This marks the first time the Tinubu administration has issued such a disclaimer against a former aide.
Umunubo, who has yet to respond to PREMIUM TIMES’ inquiries, reacted to his dismissal on Instagram, writing: “It’s been an honour to serve this great country and the creative industry.”
“History of Rivers State Judiciary: A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench.” Authored by Ampim Gogo Blankson, Esq., Deputy Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rivers State Judiciary 💰 Cover Price: ₦20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) Bukky Law Books, Rivers State High Court Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt – 📞 08034868754📞 08034729738📞 Enquiries: ______________________________________________________________________ Alexander Payne Co. Law Reports 
Contact & Orders 📞 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 🌐 www.alexandernigeria.com
______________________________________________________________________ [Now Available] -- From Crime Scene To Courtroom: An Authoritative Legal Handbook On Police Investigations
In this authoritative work, Basil Momodu Esq., titled Police Investigations in Nigeria Through the Cases 📖 Available now Call 07051822705 or any of the recommended independent booksellers listed hereunder. ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
