The International Press Centre (IPC) and the International Press Institute (IPI) have formally denounced the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force concerning Azuka Ogujiuba, Publisher of Media Room Hub and former journalist with This Day Newspapers. Both organisations criticised the reported intimidation, harassment, and detention by police operatives. In a separate statement, both organisations said
The International Press Centre (IPC) and the International Press Institute (IPI) have formally denounced the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force concerning Azuka Ogujiuba, Publisher of Media Room Hub and former journalist with This Day Newspapers. Both organisations criticised the reported intimidation, harassment, and detention by police operatives.
In a separate statement, both organisations said the security agency has repeatedly harassed journalists and media workers, calling these actions unacceptable and emphasising the need to respect freedom of expression.
According to IPC programme officer Melody Akinjiyan, Ms. Azuka Ogujiuba was arrested and detained twice for reporting on a land dispute court case, and despite living in Lagos, she has been repeatedly summoned to Abuja.
Quoting the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, “these actions of intimidation, harassment and detention are highly condemnable and the Police alongside the Federal Government must uphold their responsibility to respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression. The Police must desist from being used to constantly punish journalists who carry out their duties.
“If the Police have anything against Azuka Ogujiuba or if she has committed any crime, the right and lawful step should be taken, not subjecting her to constant harassment,” Arogundade further stated.
The International Press Institute condemned the assault on press freedom following the arrest, detention, and ongoing harassment of Media Room Hub publisher Azuka Ogujiuba by Nigeria Police Force agents.
A statement from IPI Nigeria officials Fidelis Mbah and Tobi Soniyi says the journalist was arrested while reporting on a land dispute.
IPI stated that, instead of respecting her constitutional rights at work, the police intimidated Ms. Ogujiuba, unlawfully detained her, repeatedly summoned her to Abuja despite her being based in Lagos, and arrested her twice over the matter.
“Such heavy-handed tactics amount to blatant harassment intended to silence a journalist for carrying out her lawful duties.
“These actions undermine press freedom, erode public confidence in the rule of law, and constitute a direct violation of Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” the statement said.
IPI Nigeria called on Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun to halt police harassment of Ms. Ogujiuba and ensure any allegations are handled properly through due process.
The statement says, “If police suspect she committed an offence, they should charge her in court rather than intimidate her.”
“IPI Nigeria reminds the authorities that journalists must be able to cover matters of legitimate public interest without fear of arrest, detention, or reprisals. Any attempt to muzzle the press strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s democracy and weakens public trust in its institutions.
“We therefore caution that if this pattern of harassment continues, IPI Nigeria will have no choice but to formally include the Inspector-General of Police in its ‘Book of Infamy’ — a public record of individuals and institutions that violate or enable violations of press freedom in Nigeria.
“IPI Nigeria restates its call on all law enforcement agencies to act within the bounds of the law and to honour the constitutional and international commitments that safeguard freedom of the press.
“We stand in full solidarity with Azuka Ogujiuba and with all journalists in Nigeria who face intimidation and persecution in the line of duty. The Nigerian government must uphold its responsibility to protect press freedom and to ensure that the rights of journalists are respected without compromise.
Ugly Trend of Attacks on Journalists
Growing attacks and harassment of journalists by state and non-state actors have raised concerns among media professionals and civil society groups.
A 2025 International Press Centre report states that in 2024, there were at least 45 incidents affecting 70 journalists and three media outlets nationwide.
According to the organisation, the reported cases involved assaults, arrests or detentions, and equipment seizure or damage. More than half of these incidents were attributed to state actors and government security operatives.
According to a Media Rights Agenda (MRA) report using a different methodology, 65% of documented attacks on journalists involved law enforcement and security agencies. These included 21 cases of assault, arbitrary arrests, detentions, abductions, threats, and other incidents.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago shut down Baddegi FM and revoked its licence, alleging it incited violence against the government during a dispute.
Ongoing restrictions on the media and journalists have hindered democracy and good governance in the country.
Although the Minister of Information and National Orientation pledged government support for press rights, journalists in Nigeria still encounter major threats to press freedom.
