August 27, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has condemned the arrest and harassment of publisher of Media Room Hub, Azuka Ogujiuba, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Ogujiuba has reportedly been arrested and detained on two occasions over her coverage of a court case involving a land dispute. Despite being based in Lagos, she has been repeatedly summoned to Abuja, raising concerns of intimidation.
A statement jointly signed on Tuesday by Fidelis Mbah, Deputy President of IPI Nigeria, and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser and Chair of the Advocacy Committee, described the police actions as “blatant harassment aimed at silencing a journalist for performing her lawful duties.”
While emphasising that such treatment undermines press freedom, erodes public trust in the rule of law, and violates Nigeria’s commitments under both domestic and international human rights instruments, IPI 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.
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 further stressed that journalists must be able to cover matters of public interest without fear of detention or reprisals. “Any attempt to muzzle the press strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s democracy and weakens public trust in its institutions”, it added.
IPI Nigeria 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.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International (Nigeria) has called for immediate end to what it described as “relentless harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.
THEWILL reports that Sowore is currently facing multiple charges and investigation for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities instituted by Nigeria’s Inspector General Police.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday ordered six banks, including UBA, GTB, Zenith, Opay, Moniepoint, and Kuda, to provide the IGP with Sowore’s account details.
AI-Nigeria in a statement on Wednesday, urged the Nigerian authorities to immediately drop all the charges against Sowore, and end the politically motivated investigation.
Titled “SOWORE: Relentless Harrassment of the Activist Must End”, the statement read: “The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the relentless harassment, intimidation and persecution of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.
“Sowore is currently facing multiple trumped up charges and investigation for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities instituted by Nigeria’s Inspector General Police.
“Sowore’s arraignment today is yet another attempt to crackdown on his human rights. This travesty of justice must stop.
“Authorities must immediately drop all the charges against him, and end the politically motivated investigation.
“Subjecting bank accounts linked to Sowore and Sahara Reporters to a purported investigation is part of a wider attempt to crackdown on civic space and peaceful dissent in Nigeria. Filing additional charges and fresh case against him is clearly aimed at targeting Sahara Reporters which is an independent medium that upholds freedom of expression and the public interest.
“Nigerian authorities must allow Sowore to freely exercise his human rights including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
“Apart from putting him through sham trials based on bogus charges, Sowore has been subjected to series of human rights violations including recently allegations of torture and other ill-treatment while in police detention. Nigerian authorities must promptly investigate these allegations and prosecute those suspected to be responsible in fair trial.
“Omoyele Sowore — who was declared Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience in November 2019 has endured repeated arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and other violations of his human rights solely for carrying out peaceful activism for human rights, social justice and the rule of law in the country.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
