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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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INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS: IPC CALLS ON MEDIA STAKEHOLDERS TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION FOR ENABLING ENVIRONMENT ON SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS

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INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS: IPC CALLS ON MEDIA STAKEHOLDERS TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION FOR ENABLING ENVIRONMENT ON SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS For immediate release, November 2, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria is calling on media and relevant stakeholders to work in greater partnership to create a safe and enabling environment for journalists to operate. IPC is making the call today as journalists, other media professionals and freedom of expression groups mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists with the theme: Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies. IPC regrets that the safety of journalists during crises and emergencies in the country remain unguaranteed as evidenced by attacks on the media and journalists during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests and previous ones such as #EndSars. IPC is particularly worried that the perpetrators of the worsening spate of attacks are rarely brought to justice hence the regime of impunity for crimes against journalists continue to reign while the country also continues to rank high among countries where press freedom and freedom of expression are constantly under threat. IPC holds that the outcome of the documentation of attacks on journalists by its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub is disturbing as the database shows that within the past nine (9) months not less than forty (40) incidents of physical assault, harassment, threat to life, torture, kidnapping, unlawful arrest/detention, loss/damage of valuables and gadgets (camera, phones, midgets, money, etc.) among others and involving over sixty-five (65) journalists and other media professionals were recorded. The report revealed that the number of highest cases recorded were in the month of August during the ‘End Bad Governance Protest’ held across the country. Find the details here: STATE OF ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS IN NIGERIA THE YEAR 2024 (JANUARY – SEPTEMBER) REPORT | International Press Centre – IPC Name of Journalist Gender News Medium Nature of Attack Alleged Perpetrators Location of Attack Benard Akede Male News Central Television Harassment & barred from conducting live broadcast Police officers & LCC officials Lagos State Ibrahim Isah Male TVC News Physical assault Hoodlums Kano State Eleven (11) journalists Not mentioned Not mentioned Vehicle vandalism (Channels TV) & attempt to assault journalists on board Hoodlums Kano State Yakubu Mohammed Male Premium Times Physical assault & cameras of journalists destroyed Police officers FCT, Abuja Jide Oyekunle Male   Daily Independent Unlawful arrest Police officers FCT, Abuja Mary Adeboye Female News Central Television Physical assault (tear gas) Police officers FCT, Abuja Team of journalists led by Joseph Abasi-Abasi Male Nigerian Tribune Physical assault & vandalism of NUJ vehicle Hoodlums Cross-River State Jonathan Ugbal Male Cross River Watch Unlawful arrest & detention Police officers Cross-River State Matthew Ochei     Monday Osayande   Lucy Male     Male     Male Punch Newspaper   Guardian Newspaper Pointer Newspaper Physical assault & destruction of gadgets and working tools Anti-protesters Delta State Olukayode Jayeola Male The Punch Newspaper Unlawful arrest & confiscation of camera and personal belongings Police officers FCT, Abuja Not mentioned Not mentioned The Punch Newspaper, Premium Times, The Cable, Peoples Gazatte Gunshots fired at vehicle conveying journalists Masked security operatives FCT, Abuja Not mentioned Not mentioned Radio Ndarason Internationale Unlawful arrest Security operatives Borno State Not mentioned Not mentioned News Central Television Crew Physical assault Thugs Lagos State The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said the precarious situation is unwelcome and deserving of the attention of media stakeholders.  “We are calling for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists in Nigeria. We cannot turn a blind eye to attacks against journalists. We attach the highest priority to the safety of journalists and other media actors. We oppose any action, legislation, regulation or political pressure that limits freedom of the press. Acts of intimidation and violence against journalists in Nigeria have to end for democracy to survive. Attacks against media institutions and journalists are attacks against democratic rights including the right of the public to know the truth about the way they are governed,” Mr. Arogundade said. Mr. Arogundade called on the Presidency to mandate security operatives to carry out the necessary investigations on unresolved cases of attacks on journalists while he also urged the Inspector General of Police to publicly disclose what has so far been done towards unraveling the mystery behind killed journalists in Nigeria. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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EDO DECIDES: IPC TASKS JOURNALISTS, SECURITY OPERATIVES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ON SAFETY

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Press Release EDO DECIDES: IPC TASKS JOURNALISTS, SECURITY OPERATIVES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ON SAFETY For immediate release, September 19, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos- Nigeria has enjoined journalists and other media professionals that would be on electoral duty in Edo State on Saturday, 21st September 2024 to pay deserved attention to their safety. IPC also urged security operatives and other stakeholders that would be involved in the Edo State Governorship election to help ensure the safety of journalists. IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said the call was necessary because of the consistent trend of journalists being victims of attacks during election period and the conflicts and tension by political actors and other players in the electoral process in the state.  “It is very important for journalists covering the Edo State election to be safety conscious in the discharge of their duties, and to avoid situations that will put them in danger.  Journalists are expected to take into consideration some safety measures while on the field he said, adding that they should internalize the following tips: •  Be non-partisan •   Don’t walk or move alone •   Be INEC accredited and have your organizational identity card • Be brave and smart…i.e. cover violent situations from a reasonable distance •   Handle classified information appropriately He also admonished other stakeholders, especially the security agencies to undertake their tasks in a very professional manner. He urged The Inspector General of Police to advice officers and men on the field, to protect accredited journalists, because the media is a critical part of the electoral process and journalists should be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them carry out their social obligations as partners in enshrining the credibility of the electoral process. “Other stakeholders, including elections observers should also proactively provide journalists covering the elections with information to ensure that all work together for the success of the elections”, Mr. Arogundade added. As part of initiatives to keep tab on the safety of journalists, IPC said that there are safety alert officers who journalists under threat/attack can report to via calls or messages. The concerned officers: Melody Akinjiyan (Press Freedom Officer, IPC) – 08132776441 Olutoyin Ayoade (Communication Officer, IPC) – 08114503887 Mr. Arogundade also enjoined journalists to report any threats to the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. 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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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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Press Statement

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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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 Press Release PERSISTENT HARASSMENT OF LANRE AROGUNDADE BY DSS CONSTITUTES SYSTEMATIC ABUSE OF POWER AND VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHT  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 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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KANO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL: I-CSPJ FROWNS AT POLICE ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS

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Press Statement KANO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL: I-CSPJ FROWNS AT POLICE ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS For immediate release, September 20, 2023 IPC’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is extremely dismayed by the reported police attack on some journalists who were in the court to cover the sitting of the Kano Governorship Election petition tribunal, today Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Among the attacked journalists were Salim Umar Ibrahim of Daily Trust and BBC Hausa Reporter, Zahraddeen Lawal. Report from Salim Ibrahim of Daily Trust states that, “the Police who were on duty asked the journalists to move 10 meters away from the Court premises and in the process, some of them pounced on them, alleging that they were taking pictures.” “While some went after BBC reporter trying to seize his phone, others held Salim Ibrahim of Daily Trust and forcefully collected his phone, damaging the screen,” the report further stated. The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said, “The unwarranted attacks on journalists on legitimate duty is dangerous to our democracy and a major threat to press freedom. Such act violates the fundamental human rights of the journalists”.  We urge the men of the Nigerian Police Force to be mindful of actions they take against journalists and not continually create an environment where journalists would be afraid to work and discharge their duties effectively and efficiently. I-CSPJ therefore calls on the Kano State Commissioner of Police to take adequate and swift measures to bring to book those who assaulted the journalists while putting in place machinery to compensate the affected journalists for this inhumane treatment. We also call on the Nigeria Police Force to step up the training of its officers to be more respectful and courteous in relating with journalists and other media professionals. They should be reminded constantly that the primary responsibility of the Police is the protection of citizens including journalists. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, I-CSPJ 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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