The International Press Centre (IPC) has strongly condemned ongoing attacks on press freedom in Nigeria, highlighting a disturbing pattern of harassment, detention, and even the murder of journalists in recent months.
In a statement issued through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, the IPC raised alarm over increasing threats to journalists, based on data from its press freedom monitoring report covering January to June 2025.
According to the statement signed by IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, the data shows rising hostility towards journalists under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, with three major incidents recorded between June and July.
The first case involves Dr. Tekena Amieyeofori, a former staff member of Africa Independent Television (AIT) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, who has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS). His arrest is reportedly linked to a report he published on alleged corruption in the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The second case involves investigative journalist Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, who was detained by the police in Ilorin, Kwara State, after he condemned the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters. He was arrested despite voluntarily responding to a police invitation.
The most shocking case, according to the IPC, is the murder of Ayo Aiyepekun, a photojournalist with Inside Story in Lokoja, Kogi State. Aiyepekun was killed at his residence on July 22, which also served as his media office. The IPC has demanded a full investigation and justice for his death.
Reacting to the incidents, IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade said, “We are deeply concerned about the ongoing clampdown on press freedom under the current administration. The constant harassment and violation of journalists’ rights is unacceptable.”
Arogundade also criticized what he called a lack of action by President Bola Tinubu, who had previously pledged to respect freedom of expression and tolerate dissent during his Democracy Day address.
The IPC-SPJ Hub has called for immediate, independent investigations into all the reported incidents and demanded an end to the attacks and intimidation of journalists across the country.
The IPC reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom, stating, “A free press is essential for a healthy democracy.”
Their latest statement adds to growing concerns among civil society organizations and international watchdogs about the worsening state of press freedom in Nigeria.
