Press Freedom Flashpoint: IPI Blacklists IGP, 2 Governors at National Conference

At its annual conference on Tuesday, IPI Nigeria unveiled the inaugural entries in its newly created “Book of Infamy,” listing the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, alongside two state governors: Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno and Niger State’s Mohammed Umar Bago. The announcement was made during the institute’s second annual gathering in Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima officially presented the publication.

According to IPI Nigeria, Egbetokun was included for allegedly failing to halt the widespread arrest of journalists by police operatives, despite repeated warnings from the institute. Governor Eno was cited for barring Channels TV journalists from covering activities at the Akwa Ibom Government House, while Governor Bago was listed for ordering the shutdown of private radio station Badeggi FM. IPI said both governors ignored appeals to reverse decisions that, in its view, infringed on press freedom.

In contrast, the institute honoured the Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, praising him as responsive to media concerns. Among the examples highlighted was the removal of Lanre Arogundade, head of the International Press Centre, from a government watchlist after four decades.

Speaking at the event, Information Minister Mohammed Idris stressed that an independent press remains essential to democratic governance. He challenged any narrative of systemic repression under the current administration, insisting that discussions on media freedom must be grounded in verifiable facts.

Idris added that security agencies now follow stricter guidelines to protect journalists during protests and crises, and that the government continues to strengthen conditions for media organisations to operate freely.

The conference brought together senior government officials, editors, and media advocates to assess the state of press freedom and explore pathways toward a more accountable democratic environment.