The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has condemned what it describes as a persistent assault on press freedom in Nigeria.
The organisation raised concerns following a recent review of press freedom violations between January and June 2025, which highlighted a worrying trend of attacks on journalists and media professionals across the country.
The IPC cited three major incidents in the past two months: the prolonged detention of former AIT journalist Dr. Tekena Amieyeofori by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a report on alleged corruption in the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); the ongoing detention of investigative journalist Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed by the Kwara State Police Command after he reportedly condemned a violent attack on protesters; and the murder of photojournalist Ayo Aiyepekun of Inside Story at his residence in Lokoja, Kogi State, on July 22.
In a statement, IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, decried the growing threats to press freedom, describing them as a violation of journalists’ constitutional rights and a contradiction of President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day pledge to uphold freedom of expression.
“We are deeply worried about the continuous clampdown on press freedom under this present administration,” Arogundade stated. “The restrictions on journalists’ ability to carry out their obligation and regular violations of their rights are highly condemnable.”
The IPC-SPJ Hub called for thorough investigations into all reported attacks on journalists and urged authorities to end all forms of violations against media professionals. The Centre also reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and promoting accountability.
“A free press is essential for a healthy democracy,” the statement concluded
