The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has blasted operatives of the Nigeria Police Force for arresting and harassing the publisher of Media Room Hub and a former ThisDay newspapers journalist, Azuka Ogujiuba.
Recall that Azuka has reportedly been arrested and detained twice over her coverage of a court case involving a land dispute. Even though she lives in Lagos, she has been repeatedly summoned to Abuja, which raises serious concerns of intimidation.
Reacting via a press statement signed by Fidelis Mbah, Deputy President of IPI Nigeria, and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser and Chair of the Advocacy Committee, in Abuja, the International Press Institute blasted the police operatives for trying to prevent a journalist from performing her lawful duties.
According to IPI Nigeria, such mistreatment limits the rights of the press, reduces public trust in the Nigerian constitution, and goes against the country’s commitments under both domestic and international human rights instruments.
Urging the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to put a stop to the harassment, IPI stated that every allegation levelled against Azuka must be addressed in accordance with the law.
“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,” it read.
The International Press Institute further warned that if the harassment does not end, the IG will find his name in its “Book of Infamy,” a public record of Nigerians and institutions accused of preventing press freedom.
The institute noted that journalists should always be afforded the required freedom to cover issues of public interest without facing any form of intimidation or arrest.
“Any attempt to muzzle the press strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s democracy and weakens public trust in its institutions,” it added.
IPI Nigeria reiterated its support for Azuka and other journalists amid the violation of their rights, advising the government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and safeguard the constitutional rights of Nigerian journalists.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
