The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ-Hub), has strongly condemned the intimidation, harassment, and detention of Azuka Ogujiuba, Publisher of Media Room Hub and former journalist with ThisDay Newspapers, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Information reaching SPJ-Hub confirmed that Ogujiuba was arrested and detained on two occasions over her coverage of a court case involving a land dispute. Despite being based in Lagos, she has been repeatedly summoned to Abuja.
The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, described the development as unacceptable.
“These actions of intimidation, harassment and detention are highly condemnable and the Police alongside the Federal Government must uphold their responsibility to respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression. The Police must desist from being used to constantly punish journalists who carry out their duties,” he said.
Arogundade further stressed: “If the Police has anything against Azuka Ogujiuba or if she has committed any crime, the right and lawful step should be taken, not subjecting her to constant harassment.”
The SPJ-Hub reiterated the urgent need to safeguard press freedom and halt all forms of intimidation against journalists.
It therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force, through the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to stop all forms of harassment of Ogujiuba and guarantee her safety.