On 15 August 1993 police raided the offices and arrested editor-in-chief Nosa Igiebor and editors Kola Ilori, Onome Osifo-Whiskey and Ayodele Akinkuoto.

[6] The editors resorted to guerrilla tactics to survive, forming cells and frequently moving, with the magazine printed covertly in different locations.

[3] After the newspaper published a story that revealed that Abacha was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, police and military raided Igiebor's house while he was away.

[3] In 1993, the Committee to Protect Journalists presented Igiebor its International Press Freedom Award, "an annual recognition of courageous journalism",[8] for his work with the magazine.

[10] The award's notice stated; "Tell has continued to publish throughout the period of Nigerian dictatorship despite intimidation, harassment and the detention without charge or trial of Mr Igiebor and other senior members of the Tell staff.