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August 26, 2025 – Nigeria –
Journalist Azuka Ogujiuba, a prominent publisher of Media Room Hub, has been subjected to repeated arrests and harassment by Nigeria’s police, a move strongly condemned by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI). The IPI described the actions as “blatant harassment aimed at silencing a journalist for performing her lawful duties,” stressing that such tactics are unacceptable in a democratic society.
Ogujiuba, formerly a reporter with ThisDay, has faced two arrests and multiple summonses to Abuja, despite residing and working in Lagos. The IPI emphasized that continuing to detain or intimidate her undermines constitutionally guaranteed press freedom and Nigeria’s international obligations under human rights treaties.
IPI Nigeria’s statement, issued by deputies Fidelis Mbah and Tobi Soniyi, called for an immediate end to the intimidation and urged Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to ensure that any allegations against Ogujiuba are resolved through proper legal channels, not through harassment or coercion.
The press watchdog further warned that if such practices persist, it may include the Inspector-General’s name in its “Book of Infamy,” a public record of individuals and institutions deemed to violate press freedom.
This development highlights growing concerns about press freedom in Nigeria, where journalists risk criminalization for carrying out basic reporting. As Ogujiuba continues to confront legal intimidation, civil society and press freedom advocates are calling for the protection of democratic norms and the rule of law. The government’s response in the coming days will serve as a litmus test for its commitment to media rights.
References –
https://punchng.com/ipi-condemns-arrest-of-journalist-seeks-end-to-intimidation/?amp
https://www.westernpost.ng/ipi-nigeria-condemns-police-harassment-of-journalist-azuka-ogujiuba/
