The International Press Institute, IPI, Nigeria has formally unveiled its first-ever “Book of Infamy,” a registry created to spotlight public officials accused of suppressing press freedom.
The organisation announced the initial entries during its Second Conference and Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, an event graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
IPI Nigeria said the inaugural list includes three prominent public figures: the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun; the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno; and the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago.
According to the institute, these individuals were selected based on incidents documented over the past year that allegedly hindered journalists from operating freely.
In the case of the Inspector General of Police, IPI Nigeria said its repeated calls for the police authorities to end the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists across the country were ignored.
The organisation noted that several reporters had been detained by police operatives despite appeals for restraint and adherence to democratic norms.
Governor Umo Eno was listed for barring the Channels Television crew from covering activities at the Akwa Ibom State Government House. IPI described the action as a troubling attempt to restrict media access to public governance.
Governor Bago of Niger State, meanwhile, was cited for ordering the closure of Badeggi FM, a privately-owned radio station, despite calls for reconsideration.
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While unveiling the Book of Infamy, IPI Nigeria also honoured the Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
The organisation said Ajayi demonstrated openness to engagement by correcting institutional actions that had negatively affected journalists.
His intervention reportedly led to the removal of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, from a federal watchlist after four decades.
He was also credited with facilitating the release of journalists arrested by DSS operatives.
Vice President Shettima, who officiated the ceremony, commended IPI Nigeria for promoting accountability and dialogue between the media and government institutions.
He promised to personally reach out to those named in the Book of Infamy and encourage them to address concerns raised by the institute.
Shettima also invited IPI President Musikilu Mojeed to accompany him on an upcoming visit to Akwa Ibom State as part of efforts to resolve the dispute between Governor Eno and Channels Television.
He further pledged to speak with Governor Bago—whom he described as a friend—and Inspector General Egbetokun regarding the complaints documented by IPI Nigeria.
The vice president emphasized that a free and independent press remains essential to democracy and that government leaders must remain open to constructive criticism from the media.
