The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos–Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has strongly condemned the reported attacks on journalists who were covering the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on Monday, October 20, 2025.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos–Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has strongly condemned the reported attacks on journalists who were covering the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on Monday, October 20, 2025.
According to information gathered by the IPC-SPJ Hub, journalists covering the protest—coordinated by activist Omoyele Sowore to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)—were subjected to various forms of assault including unlawful arrest, confiscation of equipment, and destruction of property.
The Centre disclosed that its documentation revealed multiple incidents of violence against media practitioners. Among them was the Business Day media crew comprising Tony Ailemen, Tunde Adeniyi, Ladi Patrick-Okwoli, and Michael Godwin, who narrowly escaped death when police fired teargas directly at their vehicle while conducting a vox pop. The projectile reportedly shattered the vehicle’s windshield.
Similarly, two journalists from Agence France Presse (AFP), identified as John Okunyomih and Nicholas Roll, were reportedly arrested by police officers while covering the protest. Their phones, cameras, and other equipment were seized after security operatives allegedly fired teargas before detaining them.
Reacting to the incidents, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, described the attacks as “a disturbing recurrence of history,” lamenting that journalists continue to face intimidation and physical danger while carrying out constitutionally protected duties.
“Under no condition should journalists on legitimate assignment be subjected to attacks or harassment by security agencies,” Arogundade stated.
He further stressed that the right of journalists to report public events, including protests, is guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and supported by international media rights frameworks.
Arogundade therefore urged the relevant security authorities, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the attacks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.