The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute, IPI Nigeria, has criticised the arrest, detention, and sustained harassment of Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub and former journalist with ThisDay newspapers, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force acting under directives from Abuja.
Messrs Fidelis Mbah Tobi Soniyi, Deputy President and Legal Adviser respectively of IPI issued the following statement:
“Ms. Ogujiuba has been carrying out her professional duty of reporting on a court case involving a land dispute. Rather than respecting her constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of the press, the police have resorted to intimidation, unlawful detention, and repeated summons to Abuja, despite the fact that she resides and works in Lagos.
“On two separate occasions, Ms. Ogujiuba has been arrested and detained in connection with this matter. Such heavy-handed tactics amount to blatant harassment aimed at silencing a journalist for performing her lawful duties.
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“These actions undermine press freedom, erodes public confidence in the rule of law, and constitutes 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.
“IPI Nigeria demands that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, immediately order his officers to desist from further harassment of Ms. Ogujiuba and ensure that any allegations against her, if they exist, are pursued strictly through due process and the proper constitutional channels.
“If the police believe she has committed an offence, the appropriate step is to charge her before a competent court of law — not to subject her to endless intimidation.
“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.”
