When apologies fuel more harm: Why Aisha Buhari deserves justice, by Sadiq Mohammed

Farooq Kperogi’s so-called “apology” to former First Lady Aisha Muhammadu Buhari is not only hollow, it is deeply insulting. Instead of retracting his cruel claim about the alleged divorce between Mrs. Buhari and the late President Muhammadu Buhari, he chose to double down, defending the “credibility” of his source while acknowledging the pain he caused.

That is not remorse. It is a calculated move to save face, an attempt to appear noble while still pushing the same damaging narrative.

You don’t apologize for hurting someone by repeating the very thing that hurt them.

Let us be clear, Mr. Kperogi’s post was not investigative journalism. It was not public interest reporting. It was a reckless and unnecessary intrusion into a grieving woman’s private life, based on gossip that should never have seen the light of day.

Mrs. Aisha Buhari is still mourning the loss of her husband. The emotional trauma she has endured is unimaginable. She could not even gather the strength to attend the Federal Executive Council (FEC) session where her children paid tribute to their late father. That is not trivial, it is devastating.

This cannot end with an empty apology.

Mr. Kperogi claims he acted without malice. Yet, malice is not always intentional, it can also come from arrogance, carelessness, and the unchecked power of a public platform.

It is time to draw the line.

We call on Mrs. Aisha Buhari or her children to seek legal redress. Let the courts determine accountability. Let justice be served. Let damages be paid, not just for the personal injury inflicted, but to send a strong message to all who feel emboldened to weaponize “opinion” and “sources” against the vulnerable.

This is not just about one woman. This is about protecting dignity, truth, and decency in our public space.

If we do not act now, who will be the next victim of such digital cruelty disguised as commentary?