IPI Condemns Police Arrest, Harassment Of Journalist, Seeks End To Intimidation
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has condemned the arrest, repeated detention of a journalist, Azuka Ogujiuba, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
IPI said Ogujiuba, who is the publisher of Media Room Hub and a former ThisDay reporter, was carrying out her professional duty by reporting on a court case linked to a land dispute when police action against her began.
A statement by IPI Nigeria deputies, Fidelis Mbah and Tobi Soniyi, on Tuesday, noted that Ogujiuba has been arrested and detained on two separate occasions and repeatedly summoned to Abuja despite living and working in Lagos.
IPI Nigeria warned that the treatment of Ogujiuba undermines press freedom, erodes public confidence in the rule of law, and violates Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“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,” the statement said.
The statement said on two separate occasions, Ogujiuba had been arrested and detained in connection with the matter.
“Such heavy-handed tactics amount to blatant harassment aimed at silencing a journalist for performing 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.
The organisation demanded that Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, order officers to desist from further harassment and ensure any allegations are handled through due process.
The statement added, “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.”
The statement reiterated IPI Nigeria’s solidarity with Ogujiuba and called on all law-enforcement agencies to respect constitutional and international protections for journalists so the press can report on matters of public interest without fear of arrest or reprisals.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
