•Omoyele Sowore
A coalition of Abuja-based lawyers has petitioned the Attorney General of the State of New York, United States of America, demanding a full-scale investigation into the financial dealings of Sahara Media Group Incorporated and its activist founder, Mr Omoyele Sowore, over alleged discrepancies in nonprofit reporting, tax compliance, and asset declaration.
The petition, dated October 7, 2025, and submitted at the United States Embassy in Abuja through Heartland Advisors & Solicitors, called for the suspension or invalidation of Sowore’s U.S. travel documents pending the outcome of investigations, reports Daily Independent.
Signed by Barrister Sunday Oluwole and Barrister Felix Olanrewaju Wolemiwa, the lawyers urged the U.S. authorities to examine Sahara Media Group’s financial records, including the $1.3 million grant it received from the MacArthur Foundation between 2016 and 2019, for compliance with New York nonprofit laws and transparency requirements.
“We respectfully request your office’s review of the financial activities of Sahara Media Group Inc., a New York-registered entity, and its founder, Mr. Omoyele Sowore,” the petition stated. “This request stems from concerns about potential discrepancies in nonprofit financial reporting, tax compliance, and asset declarations, which may impact both U.S. and Nigerian public interests.”
The petitioners alleged that Sahara Media Group’s funding records and Sowore’s personal asset declarations present inconsistencies that warrant investigation under U.S. nonprofit and tax regulations.
They pointed out that while Sowore declared only a ₦5 million property and a 2008 Toyota Camry to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023, public records in the U.S. show he purchased a property valued at approximately $552,000 around 2018, which may not have been disclosed to Nigerian authorities a possible case of asset concealment and perjury with U.S. tax implications if unreported.
The lawyers also raised questions about Sowore’s financial capacity and lifestyle, citing reports that his son attends the Dwight-Englewood School in New Jersey, where annual tuition is about $59,235, alongside alleged political campaign spending in Nigeria.
“This appears inconsistent with the reported financial capacity of Sahara Media Group Inc., which operates primarily as a media outlet. A review of his income sources and tax compliance could clarify whether these are supported by legitimate, reported earnings,” the petition added.
Additionally, the petitioners referenced a 2018 GoFundMe suspension of a $2 million fundraiser for Sowore’s ‘Take Back Nigeria Movement’, which was temporarily halted over concerns about the campaign’s purpose.
They argued that this incident underscores the need to verify whether funds raised under Sahara Media Group’s name were used in line with U.S. charitable solicitation laws.
The group urged the New York Attorney General’s office to: Investigate Sahara Media Group’s financial records and use of the MacArthur Foundation grant; Examine Mr. Sowore’s tax filings for compliance with U.S. laws; Determine whether nonprofit funds were diverted for personal or political use; and Suspend or revoke Mr. Sowore’s U.S. travel documents pending the outcome of the probe.
“This request is made in good faith to promote accountability and transparency, protecting the integrity of nonprofit operations in New York and public trust in cross-border political activities,” the lawyers stated.
