Martin O’Hagan Murder: Family Welcomes Recent Arrest but Emphasizes Ongoing Search for Killers

April 6, 2025 – UK –

In April 2025, a 42-year-old man was arrested in Sheffield, England, and charged with fraud by false representation in connection with the 2001 murder of journalist Martin O’Hagan. O’Hagan, a reporter for the Sunday World, was fatally shot by loyalist paramilitaries while walking home with his wife in Lurgan, County Armagh. Despite this arrest, no one has been successfully prosecuted for his murder.

The O’Hagan family has expressed cautious optimism regarding the recent arrest but emphasized that the fraud charge is unrelated to Martin’s killing. In a statement, his brother, Fintan O’Hagan, acknowledged the development but stressed that the pursuit of justice for Martin’s murder continues. The family had previously offered a £50,000 reward in 2015 for information leading to a conviction, highlighting their ongoing commitment to seeking justice.

The family’s solicitor, Kevin Winters of KRW Law, noted that this arrest might impact the release of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland’s report on alleged investigative failings in the original murder inquiry. The O’Hagan family anticipates that the forthcoming report will support their renewed call for an independent inquiry into Martin’s murder.

Martin O’Hagan’s case remains a poignant example of the dangers journalists face and the challenges in holding perpetrators accountable. His family and supporters continue to advocate for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

Reference – 

BreakingNews.ie: Brother of murdered journalist Martin O’Hagan says hunt for killers continues

https://www.roscommonherald.ie/brother-of-murdered-journalist-martin-ohagan-says-hunt-for-killers-continues_arid-53736.html