Published 29th May, 2023

By Tola Owoyele

On May 29, Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communations, the parent company of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power 100.5 FM, died in an Abuja hospital after reportedly falling off his treadmill.

Dokpesi, 71, will be remembered for launching Nigeria’s first privately owned radio station, Ray Power FM, established in 1994.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Dokpesi was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 25, 1951. His parents were natives of Aghenebode in Edo State.

He started his early schooling at Loyola College, Ibadan, Oyo State, before moving on to Immaculate Conception College (ICC) in Benin City, Edo State, to complete his secondary school education.

After this, he had his undergraduate studies at the University of Benin, Edo State. He then moved to the University of Gdansk in Poland for a doctorate degree in marine engineering.

AIT AND RAY POWER FM

In the early ’90s, the then military administration headed by Ibrahim Babangida issued a decree that permitted private individuals and companies to own broadcasting firms in the country.

Dokpesi, being an entertainment and showbiz enthusiast, swung into action, subsequently registering and launching Ray Power FM, Nigeria’s first private radio station, in 1994. Two years later, Dokpesi launched Africa Independent Television, the first Nigerian TV station owned by an individual. After the launching of AIT, it became the first television station to run 24-hour broadcasting in Nigeria.

Dokpesi is believed to be both a founding father and pacesetter as far as private sector participation in Nigeria’s media industry is concerned.

ABUJA BOMBING ARREST

On October 4, 2010, Dokpesi was arrested for his alleged role in two Abuja car bombings that resulted in the death of seven people during Nigeria’s 50th independence day celebration.

He was released after spending nine hours in detention at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) later claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Dokpesi sued the DSS for wrongful imprisonment.

MONEY LAUNDERING AND CORRUPTION CHARGES

In December 2015, Dokpesi and DAAR Holding and Investment Ltd., was arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for a $2.1 billion fraud.

Dokpesi was accused of assisting Sambo Dasuki, the National Security Adviser under the Goodluck Jonathan government, to divert the funds to accounts belonging to DAAR Holdings. The diverted fund was originally budgeted for weapons procurement for the Nigerian military to fight against the Boko Haram militants.

He would eventually be acquitted of all money laundering charges by an appeal court in April 2021.

CONTROVERSIAL POLITICAL COMMENTS

In 2015, as a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dokpesi controversially tendered a public apology to Nigerians for the ways public funds were mismanaged during the 16-year rule of the PDP.

“Make no mistake, the PDP is aware that there were errors made along the way,” said Dokpesi.

“We admit that at certain times in our past, mistakes have been made; we did not meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“We tender an apology. But the past is exactly what it is. We call on all party faithful, supporters and sympathisers to partner us going forward.”

During the period, he also criticised the party of its choice of Goodluck Jonathan as presidential candidate.

In early 2023, Dokpesi was quoted to have controversially said no PDP candidate from the southeast or even the south could win the 2023 presidential election. The comment generated widespread criticism from many socio-cultural and political groups.

LAST DAYS

In 2020, Dokpesi was hospitalised after testing positive for Covid-19. He was discharged after spending days at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

Dokpesi suffered a partial stroke after the last Ramadan fast. He had since been managing his health and undergoing occupational therapy.

He died on Monday after an alleged fall off his treadmill.

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