IPI Nigeria Urges New Inspector-General of Police to Uphold Press Freedom, End Harassment of Journalists

The Nigerian Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) calls on the new Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, to prioritise the protection of press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists across the country.

IPI Nigeria urges Mr Disu to immediately end the pattern of harassment, intimidation, and attacks against journalists that characterised the tenure of his predecessor, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

Under the previous leadership, journalists were repeatedly harassed, unlawfully detained, and, in some cases, assaulted while carrying out their constitutional duties.

The police, as a critical institution in a democratic society, have a constitutional responsibility to uphold the fundamental rights of all Nigerians, including the right to freedom of expression and of the press.

IPI Nigeria, therefore, expects the new Inspector-General to ensure that officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force respect these rights at all times.

In particular, we call on Mr Disu to:

– End all forms of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention of journalists;

– Review and withdraw pending cases that target journalists for carrying out legitimate professional duties;

– Institute a comprehensive reorientation programme for police personnel focused on press freedom and broader human rights obligations;

– Establish clear communication channels between the police leadership and media stakeholders to prevent and resolve conflicts.

Due to persistent violations under the previous administration, IPI Nigeria was compelled to include Mr Egbetokun in its “Book of Infamy”—a record of individuals and institutions whose actions or inaction promoted or facilitated attacks on press freedom in Nigeria.

We urge Mr Disu to chart a different course and rebuild trust between the police and the media.

Respect for press freedom is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy. A free and independent press strengthens accountability, enhances transparency, and supports law enforcement efforts by informing the public responsibly.

The roles of the police and the media in a democratic society are complementary, not adversarial.

IPI Nigeria reiterates its readiness to engage constructively with the new leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to address areas of concern and promote a mutually respectful relationship between law enforcement and the media.

We wish Mr Tunji Disu a successful and impactful tenure and urge him to seize this opportunity to restore confidence in the police’s commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.

Musikilu Mojeed

President, IPI Nigeria

Tobi Soniyi

Legal Adviser, IPI Nigeria