The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has listed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, alongside two state governors, in its newly unveiled Book of Infamy. The development was announced on Tuesday during the second Annual Conference of IPI Nigeria, where Vice President Kashim Shettima formally unveiled the document.
The governors named in the list are Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State. They, alongside the IGP, became the first three public officials to be documented in the Book of Infamy.
According to IPI Nigeria, IGP Egbetokun was blacklisted for failing to halt the arbitrary arrest of journalists by police operatives nationwide despite repeated appeals by the institute. Governor Eno was indicted for barring Channels Television reporters from covering activities at the Akwa Ibom Government House, while Governor Bago was faulted for ordering the shutdown of Badeggi FM, a privately owned radio station.
IPI stated that both governors ignored appeals urging them to reverse the decisions, which the institute said they had no lawful authority to take.
In contrast, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, was honoured for his responsiveness and willingness to address concerns raised by IPI. The institute praised him for correcting identified wrongs, including facilitating the removal of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, from the government’s watchlist after nearly 40 years.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the centrality of an independent press to any functioning democracy. The Minister, who served as Special Guest, noted that the Tinubu administration remains committed to press freedom and continues to strengthen protocols guiding security agencies, especially regarding their interactions with journalists in conflict zones and during civil demonstrations.
He further stated that the administration is determined to provide an enabling environment for media organisations to thrive without fear or restrictions.
