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September 01, 2025 – Lagos –
The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has condemned in the strongest terms the police brutality inflicted on Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), by officers at the Ikeja Police Command in Lagos on August 29, 2025.
Ojukwu was at the police station’s Complaints Response Unit (CRU) pursuing information on officers accused of extorting detainees. During this attempt, three police officers reportedly seized his phone and searched its contents, shattered his eyeglasses, ripped off his wristwatch, damaged his phone, and left him with multiple bodily injuries.
Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, denounced the violence, warning that such repeated use of force against journalists poses a serious threat to democratic ideals and press freedom, and infringes on journalists’ fundamental human rights.
The IPC‑SPJ Hub demands that the police follow through on their promise to review CCTV footage of the incident, swiftly identify and hold the officers involved accountable, and provide appropriate compensation to Ojukwu. Moreover, the agency urges the Nigeria Police Force to enhance training for its officers, reinforcing the importance of treating journalists—and all civilians—with respect, even during high-pressure or emergency circumstances.
In a related matter, the SPJ-Hub also raised concerns about a verbal altercation involving the Managing Director of Nigeria Railways Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, and veteran journalist Ladi Bala. The clash occurred amid the disruption of rail services following a derailment. Actress and former NAWOJ president Bala reported being verbally abused and threatened. Opeifa later issued a verbal apology, which IPC‑SPJ acknowledged.
Arogundade emphasized that in emergencies, public officials and security agencies must cooperate with journalists, calmly explain security constraints, and avoid actions easily interpreted as intimidation. Maintaining trust and safeguarding press freedom should be priorities, especially when credible information is vital.
Reference –
https://dailyasset.ng/spj-hub-frowns-at-police-brutality-against-journalist-in-lagos/
