19/11/2025
On the evening of July 10, 2012, Alhaji Razaq Aderemi Gawat—popularly known as the “Golden Voice of Lagos”—made what would become his last known phone call.
“My wife… I had a very quiet, busy day. I’m returning home now. You will see me in a few more hours. We are gathering new Islamic information for the programme.”
These were his final words to his family before he disappeared without a trace.
At the time of his disappearance, Gawat was behind the wheel, heading home after a long day of preparations for the Ramadan broadcast of E Dide E Ji Sari, his popular early-morning Islamic programme on NTA Channel 10. The show, which blended enlightenment, devotion, and humour, had earned him a massive following within Lagos and across the Yoruba-speaking Muslim community. Ramadan was approaching, and as usual, he was deeply immersed in gathering new Islamic teachings, Qur’anic insights, and community-focused messages for the special edition of the programme.
But that night, he never made it home.
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Who Was Alhaji Razaq Gawat?
Razaq Gawat was one of Nigeria’s most recognisable Islamic broadcasters—charismatic, disciplined, warm, and passionate about using media to educate and uplift. Before his disappearance, he had built a decades-long career across NTA and Lagos Television, renowned for his distinctive voice, clear diction, and ability to connect with audiences young and old.
He hosted several television shows, many of which were focused on Islamic education, social values, and community development. His Ramadan programmes became an annual tradition for thousands of households. Beyond television, he was also involved in public speaking, charity efforts, and youth mentorship within the Muslim community.
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The Disappearance
Gawat left his office that Tuesday, exhausted but content, looking forward to resting before continuing his Ramadan preparations. Hours later, his Toyota Camry was found abandoned at Eric Moore Road in Surulere—doors locked, hazard lights off, and no sign of struggle. But Gawat himself was gone.
His disappearance shocked the media world, the Lagos Muslim community, and the entire nation. For weeks, prayers were held in mosques; appeals went out on television; clerics, traditional rulers, journalists, and public officials joined the search. But no conclusive answer ever emerged.
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Legacy
More than a decade later, Alhaji Razaq Gawat remains one of Nigeria’s most beloved missing-person cases—remembered not for the mystery of his disappearance, but for the depth of his contribution.
He is honoured as:
A pioneer of Yoruba Islamic broadcasting
A mentor to younger media professionals
A gentle, devout Muslim dedicated to moral teaching
A man who used his talent to unite and uplift people
