Media freedom

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PRESS RELEASE

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IPC-SPJ DECRIES THREATS ON JOURNALIST TAYO OYELADUN’S LIFE; CONDEMNS INVASION OF JOY FM 96.5 OTUKPOFor immediate release, February 3, 2025The Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos – Nigeria is greatly concerned about reported threats on the life of Ibadan-based journalist Mr. Tayo Oyeladun of Lagelu FM.According to report reaching the Safety Alert Desk of IPC, Oyeladun made the claim via a save my soul message posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, 30th January, 2023. He noted that the threat was related to a programme he anchored, tagged “Bosenlo” after which the CPS to Soun Ogbomoso reached out to one of his senior colleagues to express his grievances about the comments of one of the guests. Since then, he began to receive strange threat calls.“The past few days have been hard for me and my family. I am facing death threats for doing my job as a broadcast journalist. I believe in balance opinion and free speech in a democratic setting. I’m living in a society where the system favours the elite and those in position of authority,” he alleged. “I have become a soft target in elite chess games and their pursuit of self-aggrandizement. There is pressure from high places to get me sacked of my job! If I lose my job or life, will they take care of my children and family? My offense? being a child of nobody. Friend and family please keep praying for my safety,” he further stated.IPC-SPJ is deeply worried about the situation of Journalist Tayo Oyeladun and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies, especially the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State to ensure that he is not harmed in any way. IPC-SPJ enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the comments made during the programme anchored by the journalist or his guest to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help. IPC-SPJ therefore appeals to other media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for his safety.IPC-SPJ is also condemning the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State government. “A team of heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station in two trucks, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and an official of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. Staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1pm network news bulletin was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast,” the report stated.IPC-SPJ states that, this incident is an abuse of power and an attack on press freedom and democracy. We are calling for an immediate investigation of this incident, especially the officials involved. The appropriate punishment should be meted on those found guilty. SGD:Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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IPC Condemns Attack on News Central Reporters & Camera men

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Press Release #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTS IPC Condemns Attack on News Central Reporters & Camera men For immediate release, August 7, 2024 As the #endbadgovernance protests enter the seventh day, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos condemns in totality the assault on News Central reporters and camera men by thugs at Freedom Park, Ojota while reporting the protests yesterday, Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Information gathered by IPC’s journalists’ safety alert situation room revealed that there were a handful of police men nearby but they did not lift a finger to stop them when the thugs arrived and assaulted the press crew. “The thugs who were more than ten (10), attacked the crew of News Central Television, who went to the venue to monitor the situation. When the News Central crew arrived, police directed them to leave the park. They relocated to a distant location to continue their live broadcast. During the broadcast, the journalists were confronted by the hoodlums’ wielding sticks and shovels. The thugs assaulted several reporters and forced them to flee, Daily Report published. The Press Freedom Officer, IPC said this incident and many others recorded since the nationwide protests started raises concerns about press freedom and safety of journalists during protests and coverage of societal events. Report published on Pulse.ng stated that, “the Commissioner of Police @LagosPoliceNG, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered an immediate investigation into this incident. He mandated the investigating team to fish out the miscreants and ensure their prosecution accordingly. He gave this directive yesterday when the crew involved, led by News Central MD, @KayodeAkintemi, submitted an official complaint letter at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.” IPC is therefore again calling on the security agencies, in particular the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State, CP Adegoke Fayoade to fulfill his pledge to go after the thugs who assaulted the journalists and interrogate the policemen who looked the other way while journalists were being attacked. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org — Melody AkinjiyanProgram Officer

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AUGUST 1 PROTESTS – SITUATION ROOM REPORT IPC condemns attacks on journalists during nation-wide protests

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Press Release AUGUST 1 PROTESTS – SITUATION ROOM REPORTIPC condemns attacks on journalists during nation-wide protests For immediate release, August 1, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos has condemned in strong terms the reported attacks on journalists and other media professionals on Thursday August 1 while covering the first day of a nation-wide protest by groups demanding end to hardship inducing economic policies. Information gathered by IPC’s journalists’ safety alert situation room revealed that a number of journalists and media professionals faced one form of attack or the other including physical assault, harassment, denial of access to cover the protest, etc. Some of the affected journalists were injured, arrested or had their working tools destroyed.The details of the incidents as documented by IPC’s Safety of Journalists Alert Desk include: Lagos StateBenard Akede of News Central Television was interrupted and harassed by Police officers and LCC officials who barred him and other journalists from interviewing anyone during a live broadcast. Kano StateIbrahim Isah, TVC News Correspondent was physically assaulted by hoodlums who were with weapons while covering the protest in Kano. He sustained injuries on his hand.A vehicle belonging to Channels television and conveying about eleven (11) journalists which included TVC News Correspondent, Ibrahim Isah was vandalized. The journalists onboard were traumatized by the unfortunate incident. FCT, AbujaYakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by Police officers who hit him with the butt of their gun and their batons and caused injuries to his head while covering the protest in Abuja.Cameras belonging to journalists were also destroyed by Police officers. Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent was arrested and his mobile phone seized by Police officers. Mary Adeboye of News Central Television was also affected by tear gas thrown by Police officers while covering the protest in the FCT Cross-River StateHoodlums in Calabar, Cross River State, launched an attack on journalists, seriously injuring Nigerian Tribune reporter, Joseph Abasi-Abasi. The hoodlums targeted an 18-seater bus belonging to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that was transporting food items to the Ernest Etim Press Centre in Calabar. Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch was arrested by the Police, beaten and taken to an unknown destination in Calabar. He was later released. Delta StateMatthew Ochei of Punch Newspaper, Monday Osayande of Guardian Newspaper and a Pointer reporter Lucy were attacked by anti-protest protesters who arrived the location of the protest and chased away protesters amidst security agencies. The journalists were taking pictures and conducting interviews when the allegedly pro-government protesters smashed their gadgets and attacked them. The Press Freedom Officer of IPC, Melody Akinjiyan in a statement described the attacks as a troubling repeat of history stating that under no condition should journalists on legitimate duty be assaulted by law enforcement agencies and thugs. “It is regrettable that the incidents were recorded despite calls by IPC and other media groups on stakeholders and security agencies to ensure a safe environment for journalists covering the protests”, she said. Stating that “The rights of journalists to cover and report protests and other societal activities as guaranteed by the 1999 Nigeria Constitution and various regulatory frameworks have not been respected as expected”, she called on all concerned security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. SGD:Melody AkinjiyanPress Freedom Officer, IPCmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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ABDUCTION OF TWO JOURNALISTS IN KADUNA: I-CSPJ CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS ON RELEASE

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ABDUCTION OF TWO JOURNALISTS IN KADUNA: I-CSPJ CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS ON RELEASE For immediate release, July 8, 2024 IPC’s Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is calling for a concerted effort towards the immediate release of Chairman of University Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe and Blueprint Newspapers reporter, AbdulRaheem Aodu, who were kidnapped alongside their wives and children in the night of Saturday, July 6, 2024 at their residence in Danhonu Community in Millennium City of Chikun LGA, Kaduna State. Information reaching, I-CSPJ reveals that, “one of the victims’ family members, who lived close to their house, Taofeeq Olayemi confirmed the incident saying the bandits attacked the community around 10:30pm on Saturday night and started shooting sporadically before kidnapping the victims.” “They first forced Aodu’s door open and picked him and his wife and left their sick daughter behind. Then, they entered Abdulgafar’s house through the fence and jumped into his house. They went straight into his bedroom and picked him, his wife and two of their kids and left immediately, the report revealed.” IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “The spate of insecurity in the country should be of serious concern to all adding that it is very disturbing that journalists and media practitioners have also become easy targets.” I-CSPJ enjoins the Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies to do all they can to ensure that all the victims kidnapped are set free without being harmed in any way. I-CSPJ therefore appeals to other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for their release and safety. SGD:Melody AkinjiyanPress Freedom Officer, IPCmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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ABDUCTION OF GLOBALUPFRONT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:I-CSPJ CALLS FOR HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Press Release     For immediate release, May 23, 2024 IPC’s Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is calling for the immediate release of Globalupfront Editor-in-Chief, Madu Onuorah who was whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force at about 6p.m on Wednesday May 22, 2024, at his residence in Lugbe, FCT Abuja. Information reaching, I-CSPJ reveals that, “About ten fully-armed policemen stormed his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses.”   “He was arrested in the presence of his wife and children who fruitlessly demanded from the police why they were arresting the head of the family. He was not even allowed to contact his lawyer or any of his relations before he was whisked away to the Lugbe police station,” the report revealed. IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “The media once again is under attack. The rate at which journalists and media practitioners are being arrested is alarming and should be of serious concern to all.” “Anybody who has an issue against Madu Onuorah should approach the court of justice and not use the Police to unlawfully infringe his fundamental rights,” Arogundade further said. I-CSPJ calls on the Inspector General of Police to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Madu Onuorah, who at the time of drafting this statement as not been released or charged to court. I-CSPJ also calls on other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for a free press in Nigeria. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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ICSPJ CONDEMNS THE ALLEGED GRUESOME KILLING OF VETERAN JOURNALIST

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Press Statement       ICSPJ CONDEMNS THE ALLEGED GRUESOME KILLING OF VETERAN JOURNALIST For immediate release, September 21, 2023 IPC’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is dismayed over the alleged gruesome killing of Hamisu Danjibga, a veteran radio reporter in Zamfara State who was found dead in a soak away pit in his house, Wednesday, September 20, 2023. The veteran journalist before he met the sad fate, worked with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) for several years. He spent over three decades as a reporter and was declared missing three days before his corpse was found. Report published on Premium Times website states that, “the discovery of his corpse was a result of an unpleasant odour observed by Islamiyah children in the evening of Wednesday who drew the attention of their teachers.” “After breaking the soak away, the body was confirmed to be that of Danjibga by his family and some neighbours”, the report further revealed. IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade described the circumstances of Journalist Danjibga’s death as bizarre, considering that the family had raised an alarm that he was missing three days, before his corpse was eventually found in a soak away pit in his house. “We urge security agencies to carry out immediate and thorough investigations to unravel the mystery surrounding his death. This will go a long way to bring succour to the family and colleagues that Hamisu Danjibga left behind”, Arogundade said. IPC condoles with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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Press Release

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CLOSURE OF AIT & RAYPOWER FM OPERATIONS IN PORT HARCOURT, WORRISOME, UNACCEPTABLE SAYS I-CSPJ……..DEMANDS SAFETY OF VETERAN JOURNALIST For immediate release, September 4, 2023 IPC’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists(I-CSPJ) is very concerned by the recent closure of Africa Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower FM operations in Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Government and deems the action unacceptable and a violation of the rule of law. The media organisation on its official page on Sunday, 3rd September, 2023, announced that the State Government shut down its operations through contracted telecommunications engineers accompanied by armed security operatives. “The contractors disconnected the wave guard from the antenna on the mast while riggers were seen dismantling the mast. Also, bulldozers were deployed to demolish the Transmitter Complex at DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre,” it said. The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said that the closure of the media outlet is another attempt to stifle press freedom in the country warning that the state government should immediately stop actions towards that course. “The Rivers State Government should come open with any grievance it may have against AIT/Raypower in the State and refrain from further arbitrary self-help like the demolition”, he said. Arogundade advised the Rivers State Government to allow AIT and Raypower FM to continue its operations and seek legal redress if it believes the media outfits have committed any offence. … Stop threat on veteran journalist Ikem Okuhu’s life The IPC Executive Director has also decried the reported threat on the life of veteran journalist, Ikem Okuhu, who was on Friday, August 25, 2023 accosted by two men who introduced themselves as officers of the Nigerian Police, Enugu State Command at the burial of the father-in-law of his younger brother at Umabor, Eha Alumona Nsukka. Giving details of what happened during a press briefing in Lagos, Okuhu said: “I was at Umabor for the burial of the father-in-law of my younger brother and I had gone out to make a phone call when one of these people walked up to me and started a casual conversation, but soon said he had an order to bring me to Enugu. He said he was a police officer and that somebody had written a petition against me. My inquiry as regards who wrote the petition and what the issue was about did not yield anything, as he was soon joined by another man who also claimed he was a policeman. When I asked them for identification, they refused and instead, tried to herd me to their vehicle.” I-CSPJ is deeply worried about the situation of veteran journalist Ikem Okuhu and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies to ensure that he is not harmed in any way. I-CSPJ enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the reports by the journalist to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org +2348132776441

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Press Statement

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IPC CONDEMNS ATTACK ON RADIO KOGI FACILITIES; CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION For immediate release, June 8, 2023 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos – Nigeria demands thorough investigation into the recent attack on the facilities of the sub-broadcasting station of Kogi state radio, also known as Radio Kogi in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi state. Report reaching IPC Safety Alert Desk reveals that the broadcasting station was attacked by suspected vandals who destroyed property and carted away valuable equipment worth a fortune from the facilities on Monday, June 5, 2023. The Kogi State NUJ Chairman, Mr. Adeiza Momoh who confirmed the unfortunate incident said it seemed like a coordinated attack by vandals. He also appealed to the government to carry out necessary investigations. IPC totally condemns this unacceptable act by suspected vandals and  calls on the Kogi State Government, especially the Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation so that the perpetrators can have their day before the law. IPC also appeals to the State Government to support the media outfit by providing alternative equipment to keep the station in operation. IPC equally enjoins the state government to provide adequate security for all media outfits in the state. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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PRESS RELEASE

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IPC DECRIES THREATS ON JOURNALIST RUKAYYAH JIBIA’S LIFE For immediate release, May 27, 2023 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos- Nigeria is greatly concerned about reported threats on the life of Katsina-based journalist, Rukayyah Jibia who works with Tambarin Hausa Television in Katsina. Narrating her ordeal in a telephone interview with DAILY NIGERIAN, Ms. Jibia said, “On May 21st, I posted a video on my person TikTok handle where I criticized the way and manner in which some ladies were paraded by the police for alleged prostitution. I suggested to them to always allow the court to pronounce accused persons guilty before they are paraded before the press.” “The next day after posting the video, I received a call from the Katsina State Police Command public relations officer, Gambo Isah, asking me to report to the Emir’s palace.” “I was on my way to the Emir’s palace, when the police blocked my way and stopped my vehicle. I didn’t know they were on my trail. They came with about four vehicles and one Hilux. There were about 21 policemen. So, when the incident happened, I was on the phone with my colleague, Jamil, and I explained the situation to him.” “I told him if I go missing, the police should be held responsible, but they forcefully grabbed and twisted my hands to collect the phone and smashed it on the ground. In the process, I sustained a minor injury.” Ms. Jabia who is currently on the run stated that she was arraigned before a Sharia Court on the 23rd of May, 2023, but fortunately the Khadi was not on seat because the court had closed before they arrived. She was later taken to the area commander and secured bail after spending five hours. IPC is deeply worried about the situation of Journalist Rukayyah Jibia and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies to ensure that she is not harmed in any way. IPC enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the alleged action by the journalist to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help. IPC therefore appeals to other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for her safety, as she is currently hiding because her life is in danger. IPC again calls for an end to the harassment and arrests of journalists so that Nigeria can qualify to be described as a democratic country where the rule of law is not ignored. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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Press Statement

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WPFD 2023: IPC ESTABLISHES CENTRE ON SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS, LAMENTS INCREASING ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS/MEDIA For immediate release, May 3rd, 2023 To further address the growing spate of attacks on journalists and the threats on media freedom in Nigeria, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has announced that it is establishing a Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalist (CSFPJ), as part of its unique activities to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2023. A statement by Mr. Lanre Arogundade, IPC’s Executive Director, Melody Lawal has been appointed has the Centre Coordinator, with the task of positioning the CSFPJ to strategically coordinate initiatives to respond to the challenge of addressing the worsening state of the safety of journalists and Press freedom in Nigeria. According to Mrs. Lawal, an indication of the deteriorating Press freedom situation was the fact that the year 2022 witnessed more attacks on journalists and the media than the previous year. Unlike 2021 when forty-one (41) attacks were documented, the IPC Safety of Journalists Alert Desk recorded sixty-six (66) attacks in 2022 with the perpetrators including law enforcement and security agents; political thugs and hoodlums; unknown gunmen, among others. The breakdown shows that four (4) attacks were recorded in the North West, sixteen (16) in the North Central, six (6) in the North East, twenty-six (26) in the South West, four (4) in the South East and ten (10) in the South South. The types of attacks include physical assault, abduction, gun attack, threat to life, denial of access to information, unlawful arrest and detention, harassment, threat to sanction and payment of fine, with twenty-six (26) broadcast journalists, thirteen (13) print journalists and twenty-four (24) online journalists among those affected. In terms of gender, fifty-six (56) male journalists and ten (10) female journalists suffered one form of molestation or the other. According to the statement by IPC, full details of the attacks and the modus operandi of the new Centre on the Safety of Journalists will be unveiled at a media roundtable organised by IPC in partnership with the West Zone of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at Ibadan, Oyo State. The roundtable, slated for Friday, May 5, 2023 shall have Professor Tokunbo Adaja, Dean College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), giving the keynote address on ‘Protecting Freedom of Expression in the Age of Misinformation & Disinformation’. The event, which will be attended by editors, journalists and other media professionals and leaders of the NUJ is expected to exhaustively discuss the press freedom situation in the country and make recommendations on how the deteriorating situation can be checked. SGD: Melody Lawal, Coordinator, Centre on Safety of Journalists IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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