LAGOS — The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has strongly condemned the growing trend of press repression in Nigeria, describing it as a dangerous erosion of democratic values.
“IPC-SPJ Hub will continue to emphasize the importance of a free press for a healthy democracy,” the Centre declared in a statement released and signed by Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer at IPC.
The IPC raised concern over what it described as a consistent pattern of attacks and violations against journalists between January and June 2025.
Drawing attention to three recent and alarming incidents, the Centre highlighted the cases of unlawful detention, intimidation, and even murder involving journalists in different states of the country.
Among the incidents cited was the prolonged detention of Dr. Tekena Amieyeofori, a former staff of Africa Independent Television (AIT), who was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
His arrest is believed to be connected to a report alleging corruption within the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
In Kwara State, Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, an investigative journalist, remains in police custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Ilorin. He was arrested after condemning a violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, IPC noted.
Most disturbing, according to the press freedom watchdog, is the murder of Ayo Aiyepekun, a photojournalist with Inside Story, who was reportedly killed at his residence, which also serves as the publication’s office in Lokoja, Kogi State on July 22.
Reacting to the troubling pattern, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said, “We are deeply worried about the continuous clampdown on press freedom under this present administration. The restrictions on journalists’ ability to carry out their obligation and regular violations of their constitutional rights are highly condemnable.”
He further criticised the perceived contradiction between these attacks and the President’s earlier pledge made during his Democracy Day broadcast to uphold freedom of expression and tolerate dissent.
The IPC-SPJ Hub is therefore calling for immediate and thorough investigations into all assaults on journalists and an end to all forms of harassment, intimidation, and violence against media professionals.
