International Press Institute list Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun, 2 Nigerian Governors on ‘Book of Infamy’

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has listed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Niger, Akwa Ibom State Governors to its newly launched ‘Book of Infamy’ for serious violations of press freedom and democratic norms.

Penpushing reports that the President of the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed made the announcement during the official launch of the Book of Infamy, explaining that the record is intended as a permanent accountability mechanism, documenting public officials whose actions undermine media freedom in Nigeria

The International Press Institute (IPI) President added at the conference that record highlights repeated patterns of harassment, intimidation, or unlawful restriction of journalists and media organisations

Penpushing further reports that the Inspector-General of Police was listed for allowing a culture of impunity within the police force regarding journalists, recalling that Publisher of Media Room Hub, Azuka Ogujiuba, faced repeated arrests and unlawful summons while reporting on a land dispute.

The Institute pointed out that since her case, other journalists across Kano, Ekiti states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have experienced unlawful detention, intimidation, and assaults by police officers.

Penpushing also reports that International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria cited the lack of visible corrective action under Egbetokun’s leadership as a key reason for his inclusion in the Book of Infamy.

The Governor of Niger State Mohammed Bago was listed for ordering the closure of Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station in Minna, on August 1, 2025, recalling that the station was sealed after the governor directed security authorities to profile its owner for airing content critical of his administration.

Penpushing reports that the International Press Institute (IPI) noted that, Badegi FM was later reopened following widespread condemnation, harassment persisted, stressing that previous incidents under Bago’s administration included the detention of a state correspondent for Peoples Daily and the reported assault of a Voice of America (VOA) journalist by a commissioner in his cabinet.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State Umo Eno was also included for barring Channels Television reporters from the Government House Press Centre in May 2025 after they reported an undemocratic remark by the governor.

Penpushing further reports that record has it that said despite repeated engagement by International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria and formal letters demanding redress, the journalists remain excluded seven months later, with no corrective action taken.

The Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the event, offered to mediate between International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria and the officials named in the record, and requested two weeks to engage the parties and sought to resolve the issues raised.

Penpushing also reports that Shettima assured the institute of his commitment to robust engagement and indicated that he would work to address concerns over press freedom violations.

The International Press Institute (IPI), however, honoured the Director General of State Security Service (SSS) Adeola Ajayi, for exemplary professionalism and commended him or his commitment to protecting journalists since taking office in August 2024.

Penpushing reports that the leadership of the institute pointed out that under Ajayi’s leadership, the State Security Service (SSS) has demonstrated restraint and professionalism in its dealings with media organisations.

The Institute stated that Incidents of harassment and unlawful detention have been resolved promptly, including permanent removal of long-standing watchlist entries and immediate release of detained journalists.

Penpushing further reports that the body explained that the recognition of Ajayi was aimed at encouraging other officials to emulate his example and to reinforce the importance of constitutional guarantees for freedom of expression and press freedom.

The International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria added that the agency has equally engaged constructively with media houses to resolve disputes, avoiding confrontations and promoting dialogue.

Penpushing also reports that the inclusion of these officials comes at a time when Nigeria is facing growing challenges to press freedom, while the country fell 10 places in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, dropping from 112th in 2024 to 122nd, signalling increased threats and constraints on independent reporting.

Meanwhile, the Book of Infamy, launched during the event, is intended as both a public record and a warning to officials who abuse their power against the media.

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