Thursday, August 28, 2025
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IPI Condemns Police Harassment of Journalist Azuka Ogujiuba, Calls for Respect for Press Freedom

Female journalists in Nigeria face a daunting reality: physical assaults, abductions, and detentions for doing their job. Despite these challenges, they strive to report the truth, their voices often silenced but not stifled, their resilience a testament to their dedication.

By Editor

By admin , in Ignite Inside stories , at August 28, 2025 Tags: , , ,

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has strongly condemned the arrest and harassment of journalist Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub and former journalist with ThisDay Newspapers, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. Ogujiuba was reportedly arrested and detained twice over her coverage of a court case involving a land dispute, despite being based in Lagos and repeatedly summoned to Abuja, raising concerns of intimidation ¹.

Details of the Incident

According to IPI Nigeria, Ogujiuba’s arrest and detention are “blatant harassment aimed at silencing a journalist for performing her lawful duties”. The institute asserts that such actions undermine press freedom, erode public trust in the rule of law, and violate Nigeria’s commitments under domestic and international human rights instruments ².

IPI Nigeria’s Response

In a statement jointly signed by Fidelis Mbah, Deputy President of IPI Nigeria, and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser and Chair of the Advocacy Committee, the institute urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately halt the harassment and ensure that any allegations against Ogujiuba are addressed through lawful and constitutional means. “If the police believe she has committed an offense, the appropriate step is to charge her before a competent court of law — not to subject her to endless intimidation,” the statement read ¹.

Call to Action

IPI Nigeria warned that if the harassment continues, the Inspector-General risks being listed in its “Book of Infamy,” a public record of individuals and institutions accused of violating press freedom. The institute reaffirmed its solidarity with Ogujiuba and other journalists facing intimidation in Nigeria, calling on the government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and protect the constitutional rights of the media ³.

Implications for Democracy

The institute stressed that journalists must be able to cover matters of public interest without fear of detention or reprisals, emphasizing that “any attempt to muzzle the press strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s democracy and weakens public trust in its institutions”.

Female journalists in Nigeria face increasing violence and harassment from security agencies. Recent cases include:

  • Physical Assaults: Journalists beaten or attacked while reporting, like Kasarahchi Aniagolu in 2024
  • Abductions: Women journalists kidnapped, such as Chinenye Iwuoha, Amra Ahmed Diska, and Priestba Nwockocha
  • Detentions: Journalists detained for their work, like Solafa Magdy, who faced physical and sexual abuse in custody
  • Online Harassment: Women journalists face online abuse, misogyny and threats, impacting their mental health and safety

These incidents highlight the need for better protection and support for female journalists in Nigeria.

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