The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has strongly condemned what it calls the unjust arrest and harassment of journalist Azuka Ogujiuba by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub and a former ThisDay journalist, has reportedly been arrested and detained twice over her coverage of a court case involving a land dispute. Despite living and working in Lagos, she has been repeatedly summoned to Abuja — a move many see as clear intimidation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, IPI Nigeria described the police actions as “blatant harassment aimed at silencing a journalist for simply doing her job.” The institute warned that such acts not only threaten press freedom but also weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and violate the country’s obligations under both local and international human rights laws.
The media rights group urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to step in immediately, halt the intimidation, and ensure that any allegations against Ogujiuba are handled lawfully. “If the police believe she has broken the law, the proper step is to charge her in a competent court — not to subject her to endless harassment,” the statement stressed.
IPI Nigeria also cautioned that if the harassment continues, the Inspector-General risks being listed in its “Book of Infamy” — a public record naming individuals and institutions that violate press freedom.
The body further emphasized that journalists must be free to report on issues of public interest without fear of detention, intimidation, or reprisals. “Any attempt to silence the press strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s democracy,” it warned.
Reaffirming its support for Ogujiuba and other journalists facing similar intimidation, IPI Nigeria called on the government and security agencies to protect press freedom and uphold the constitutional rights of the media.
The statement was signed by Fidelis Mbah, Deputy President of IPI Nigeria, and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser and Chair of the Advocacy Committee.
