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Press Release

WPFD 2025: IPC and ACSPN Convene Media Stakeholders’ Roundtable on AI, Media & Press Freedom — Prof. Rotimi Olatunji to Deliver Goodwill Message For Immediate Release Lagos, Nigeria – May 6, 2025 To commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025, the International Press Centre (IPC), in partnership with the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), will host a one-day Media Stakeholders’ Roundtable themed: “Artificial Intelligence, The Media & Press Freedom: Issues & Perspectives.” Supported by IFEX—a global network of over 100 organisations committed to advancing freedom of expression—the roundtable aligns with UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025 theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” It will bring together journalists, media professionals, academics, civil society actors, and policy influencers to critically examine the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for press freedom. The event, set for Wednesday, May 7, will open with a goodwill remark by Professor Rotimi Olatunji, President of ACSPN and Professor of Public Relations and Advertising at Lagos State University (LASU), followed by an Opening Statement from Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism who will preside over the event. The Executive Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said: As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the global information landscape, the forum will serve as a platform to assess the opportunities and risks AI poses to media independence, explore the evolving role of the media in an AI-driven world, and develop practical strategies to safeguard journalist safety while defending fundamental freedoms.” Key highlights will include the presentation of the IPC State of Press Freedom Report, offering timely insights into the major challenges facing media freedom in Nigeria. In another session Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, Managing Editor of Quick News, will lead a discussion on AI, the media, and press freedom. Dr. Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle of LASU, will examine the critical issue of journalist safety in an AI-driven media environment. The concluding session will capture stakeholder input and produce actionable recommendations to guide advocacy, policy, and media capacity-building, promoting a rights-based approach to AI and journalism. The outcomes will be widely shared across media, academia, civil society, and government. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, IPC tayoade@ipcng.org

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PRESS RELEASE

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

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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NATION-WIDE PROTESTS: NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS BRAVE THE ODDS

As watchdogs of democracy, journalists play crucial role in documenting national events. Serving as the eyes and ears of the public, their coverage sheds light on citizen concerns, holds those in power accountable and facilitates informed discourse. Through their tireless efforts, journalists provide critical coverage of protests, amplifying the voices of citizens. Despite the risks and challenges they face, journalists are always committed to telling the stories that need to be told. The International Press Centre (IPC) highlights the dedication of journalists covering the nation-wide protests against hunger that commenced on Thursday August 1 2024, across Nigeria through poignant images captured from the frontlines in Lagos and Abuja. These photographs testify to the bravery and tenacity of journalists who risk their lives to bring us the stories that shape our world. Indeed, some of the journalists were assaulted by security agents and miscreants getting injured and having their equipment damaged, a worrisome development that IPC already condemned. (See statement). That they persisted speak to their resilience. IPC salutes the journalists for their bravery and will continue to demand appreciation of their work, which in turn highlights the imperative of press freedom and the need to safeguard those who reveal the truth.

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

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

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

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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WPFD 2024: THE LAGOS PLAN OF ACTION ON MEDIA FREEDOM IN NIGERIA

Outcome Document from Commemoration Activity Introduction On the occasion of the 2024 edition of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD 2024) on May 3, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and Global Rights: Advocates for Sustainable Justice, in collaboration with the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), convened a one-day commemoration event in hybrid format at the IPC Conference Hall in Lagos under the theme:  “The Imperative of Media Freedom for Democratic Governance.” The purpose of the convening was to reflect on the state of media freedom in Nigeria based on experiences shared by various journalists who had been victims of attacks in recent times as a result or in the course of their work as media professionals, discuss strategies and activities to improve the environment for media practice in the country and combat impunity for attacks against journalists, other media professionals and media organizations. The event was attended in person and virtually by journalists and other media professionals from the print, broadcast and online media from across the country, media proprietors and publishers, academics, human rights defenders and representatives of various civil society organizations, lawyers and other professionals. The convening was moderated by Ms Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher of BONews, and addressed at the opening by Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda; Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre; and Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, all of whom welcomed participants, spoke about the work of their respective organizations in the promotion and defence of media freedom in Nigeria and safety of journalists They also presented findings from monitoring activities focused on attacks on journalists and the media carried out by their organizations over the last one year, covering the first year in office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The meeting also heard testimonies from Mr. Clinton Umeh of the online news outlet, Journalists 101, based in Enugu; Ms. Khadija Yahaya, a journalist with Arewa Radio in Kano; Ms. Charity Uwakwe, an online journalist with Famous Reporters, based in Umuahia, Abia State; Mr. Eniola Daniel, a reporter with The Guardian newspaper in Lagos; and Mr. Benedict Uwalaka, a photojournalist with the Daily Trust newspaper, who is also based in Lagos. The journalists shared multiple experiences of attacks that they suffered or experienced as a result of their work as journalists or in the course of carrying out their professional duties; as well as the impact of these attacks on them and on their work. Following their testimonies, Dr. (Mrs) Uzochukwu Israel, a Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychology of the University of Lagos, made a presentation on the “Possible Psychosocial Effects of Attacks on Journalists and their Management” in which she shared with participants the potential mental and physical health implications of trauma, which can lead to prolonged or long term mental and physical health problems such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, immune system dysregulation, and sleep disturbances, among others. She discussed several strategies for self-management of the problem when initial symptoms manifest and emphasized the need for journalists and other victims of trauma to seek professional help in appropriate cases. In the ensuing discussions, some other participating journalists also shared experiences of attacks that they had suffered or witnessed, with many decrying the absence of state intervention in response to such attacks, inadequate support systems from employers and the society as well as the love-hate relationship with journalism that such experiences create in them. At the end of the event, the participants agreed to adopt this Plan of Action on Media Freedom in Nigeria. Observations The following observations were made in the presentations and discussions at the event: ·   Journalists and other media workers continue to experience various forms of attacks, including murder and other forms of extra-judicial killings; torture and other forms of ill-treatment, inhuman or degrading treatment; arbitrary arrests and detention by law enforcement, security, intelligence and military officials; kidnappings and abductions; harassment and intimidation; threats of physical harm to them or their family members; unlawful or arbitrary surveillance undertaken by State and non-State actors; unlawful raids of their offices or homes; unlawful seizure of their equipment or professional tools, among other forms of attacks. ·       Journalists and other media workers who are victims of attacks often do not receive any support or assistance from their employers, including the media proprietors and managers, which makes the journalists feel unappreciated, abandoned and demoralized. Indeed, sometimes, media proprietors and media managers succumb to pressures from governments and other powerful actors and themselves become perpetrators of further attacks on such journalists. ·       Attacks on journalists and media management can create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and media freedom as targeting journalists for their reporting or for their critical views can deter others from speaking out or reporting on contentious issues, which can lead to a narrowing of the public discourse and a reduction in the diversity of perspectives, limiting democratic participation and the exchange of ideas. ·       Attacks on journalists and media management also have broader societal implications beyond the individuals directly affected as they frequently result in a weakened media environment, which can also undermine democracy, accountability, and the functioning of civil society. ·       It is, therefore, imperative that the psycho-social effects which arise from the traumatic experiences of journalists who have been victims of attacks are promptly and comprehensively addressed while the safety and well-being of journalists is protected.  Journalists should not keep the psychosocial trauma they suffer as a result of attacks to themselves but should seek appropriate medical support, particularly from psychiatrists and or clinical psychologists. ·       Broad strategies can also be adopted to avoid or prevent the negative social implications which attacks on journalists can have on the society by advocating for press freedom, promoting legal protections, fostering a culture of respect for journalism, supporting mental health resources, and ensuring accountability for attacks on media professionals. ·       There is widespread ignorance among members of

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Press Statement

Media Support Groups Mark 2024 World Press Freedom Day, Urge Governments to Protect Media Freedom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LAGOS, Thursday, May 2, 2024: Four human rights and media support organizations have called on Federal and State Governments to take urgent measures to ensure media freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria, saying the deteriorating state of media freedom in country is potentially harmful to its system of democratic governance. Their call is contained in a statement announcing their collaborative activities to commemorate the 2024 edition of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD 2024) through separate events taking place in Lagos and Abuja on Friday, May 3. According to the statement, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and Global Rights: Advocates for Sustainable Justice, in collaboration with the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), will hold a hybrid convening in Lagos under the theme: “The Imperative of Media Freedom for Democratic Governance”, to underscore the vital role that the media play in promoting transparency, accountability, good governance, and democracy. The event will have media stakeholders drawn from among journalists and editors, media owners and managers, civil society organizations, the academia, and others participating physically and virtually and will include activities such as sharing of experiences by journalists who have faced various forms of attacks, a presentation on the importance of counselling for journalists who have been victims of attacks, as well as presentations on various civil society efforts to ensure the safety of journalists and protect media freedom, which are designed to strengthen the media as they strive to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice. A separate event will be hosted in Abuja by Global Rights in collaboration with MRA and the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR). The event will be a Webinar titled “Freedom of the Press in Peril – Raising the Bar for Press Freedom in Nigeria”, which isaimed at sparking a conversation on how to safeguard press freedoms in Africa and how the operational environment for the press can be improved in Nigeria and across the continent. The event will identify global best practices that create a conducive and enabling environment for the press and share experiences of how they can be domesticated in a way that makes them more easily accessible to journalists and other media professionals in Nigeria. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated around the world on May 3 every year as a reminder to governments of the need for them to respect their commitment to press freedom and create a safe and conducive environment for journalism and media practice. Commenting on the collaborative efforts by the various organizations, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of MRA, said: “As the world celebrates World Press Freedom Day on May 3, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of free speech, independent journalism, and the protection of press freedoms worldwide knowing that a free and independent media is the oxygen of democracy.  We are determined to work with like-minded individuals and organizations towards the emergence of an environment where media professionals can carry out their professional functions without fear or intimidation and where the media can realize its true purpose.” According to Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Director of IPC, “We recognize the challenges facing journalists and media professionals across the country, including censorship, intimidation, violence, and online harassment. In the face of these threats and attacks, we commend the resilience and courage of journalists who continue to pursue the truth, often at great personal risk. We also promise that we shall continue to render whatever support we can to ensure that the atmosphere is made conducive for them to ply their trade.” Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, said: “We take the opportunity of this important occasion to once again call on governments, civil society organizations, and individuals everywhere to join us in defending press freedom, protecting journalists, and ensuring that information remains a public good accessible to all. Together, let us stand united in support of press freedom and the fundamental principles of democracy.” For further information, please contact: Idowu Adewale Media Rights Agenda idowu@mediarightsagenda.org Melody Akinjiyan International Press Centre melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org Timothy Bamidele Centre for Media and Society tbamidele@cemesong.org

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PERSISTENT HARASSMENT OF LANRE AROGUNDADE BY DSS CONSTITUTES SYSTEMATIC ABUSE OF POWER AND VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHTS

Press Release PERSISTENT HARASSMENT OF LANRE AROGUNDADE BY DSS CONSTITUTES SYSTEMATIC ABUSE OF POWER AND VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHTS For immediate release, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), hereby strongly registers its displeasure over yet another incident of harassment of its Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, by officials of the State Security Service otherwise known as the DSS, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria. The incident of Thursday April 11, while Mr. Arogundade prepared to board a late-night Air France Flight to Berlin, Germany to participate in the respective general meetings and conferences of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) would be the umpteenth of such unwelcome development. Mr. Arogundade is a renowned journalist, advocate for social justice and democracy, former Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists and former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students. We believe these roles and positions should not warrant his unending torment by the DSS. Mr. Arogundade recounted the encounter in a Facebook post: “I was harassed by DSS officials for about 40 minutes because they claimed my name was still flashing on their watchlist despite the declaration two years ago by the Director General of the State Security Service, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, that my name had been removed when he met a delegation of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) led by Musikilu Mojeed.” Mr. Arogundade additionally informed IPC management that the senior DSS official to whom he was referred threatened to bar him from traveling unless he produced his old passports describing the request as “bizarre and ridiculous”. IPC holds that the persistent harassment violates Mr. Arogundade’s right to freedom of movement while undermining basic democratic principles. IPC hereby calls on the Director General of the DSS, and in particular his men and officers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport to desist from further harassing Mr. Arogundade. SGD:Melody AkinjiyanPress Freedom Officer, IPCmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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