IPI Nigeria Condemns Harassment of Journalist Azuka Ogujiuba by Nigerian Police

Strategic Insights -

Journalist Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub and former journalist with ThisDay newspapers, has been subjected to arrest, detention, and harassment by the Nigeria Police Force for reporting on a land dispute court case. The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has condemned these actions, stating that they undermine press freedom and constitute a violation of Nigeria's international human rights obligations. IPI Nigeria demands that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, desist from further harassment and ensure that any allegations against Ms. Ogujiuba are pursued through due process.

Key Takeaways:

  • Azuka Ogujiuba, a journalist and publisher, has been arrested, detained, and repeatedly summoned by the Nigeria Police Force for reporting on a land dispute court case.
  • The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has condemned the harassment, stating that it undermines press freedom and violates Nigeria's international human rights obligations.
  • IPI Nigeria demands that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stop the harassment and ensure that any allegations against Ms. Ogujiuba are pursued through due process.
  • The statement emphasizes that journalists must be able to cover matters of legitimate public interest without fear of arrest, detention, or reprisals.
  • IPI Nigeria threatens to add the Inspector-General of Police to its "Book of Infamy" if the harassment continues.
  • The organization stands in solidarity with Ms. Ogujiuba and all journalists in Nigeria who face intimidation and persecution.
  • IPI Nigeria reiterates its call on law enforcement agencies to act within the bounds of the law and respect constitutional and international commitments to freedom of the press.

Statistics:

  • Two separate occasions on which Ms. Ogujiuba was arrested and detained in connection with the matter.
  • Number of times Ms. Ogujiuba has been summoned to Abuja: "repeatedly".

Sources:

  • Fidelis Mbah, Deputy President of IPI Nigeria
  • Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser/Chair, Advocacy Committee, IPI Nigeria
  • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
  • African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
  • Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (note: no date mentioned in source text)