Why we blacklisted IGP, Bago, Umo; honoured DSS DG – IPI

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has defended its decision to add the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Governors Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State in its Book of Infamy.

IPI Nigeria, in a statement, said the three officials were blacklisted following sustained actions that undermined journalists’ rights and constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression.

The organisation said Governor Bago ordered the closure of Badegi 90.1 FM on August 1, 2025, after criticising his administration.

Despite the station’s subsequent reopening, the group said harassment persisted, along with earlier cases involving the detention and assault of journalists in the state.

IPI said Egbetokun was listed for “sustained harassment” of Media Room Hub publisher Azuka Ogujiuba, who was repeatedly arrested and detained over her coverage of a land dispute.

IPI said police intimidation worsened under his leadership, citing the unlawful arrests of journalists in Kano, Abuja and Ekiti despite appeals for intervention.

Governor Umo Eno was named for barring Channels Television reporters Christopher Moffat and Kufre Ikpe from the Government House Press Centre on May 24, 2025, after they reported an undemocratic comment attributed to him.

IPI Nigeria said the inclusion of the three officials underscores its commitment to holding public leaders accountable for attacks on press freedom, warning that violations of constitutional rights “will not go unanswered.”

IPI justifies honouring SSS DG The organisation also said it honoured Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), with a commendation award for his outstanding commitment to press freedom.

It said since assuming office in August 2024, Ajayi has transformed the SSS’s relationship with journalists, promoting dialogue and professionalism instead of intimidation and arrests.

Under his leadership, conflicts with media organisations are now resolved amicably, it said.

IPI listed Ajayi’s notable interventions to include the immediate release of journalist Adejuwon Soyinka in Lagos, the permanent removal of veteran journalist Lanre Arogundade from the DSS watchlist, and granting administrative bail in the “Order Paper” case involving a National Assembly report.

Mr Ajayi also acted on humanitarian grounds to release a detained journalist who fell ill in custody.

In February 2025, he mediated disputes with media organisations over reports on the Lagos Assembly crisis, resolving the issue without confrontation.

In October 2025, he ordered disciplinary action against officers who detained two Jay 101.9 FM journalists in Jos and ensured a formal apology was issued.

IPI Nigeria said the award recognises Mr Ajayi’s efforts to foster a media-friendly environment, encourages continued engagement, and sets a benchmark for other officials and institutions to emulate.

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