The International Press Centre (IPC) has raised alarm over the persistent assault on press freedom in Nigeria, denouncing a growing wave of intimidation, unlawful detention, and even killings of journalists in recent months.
In a statement issued through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, the IPC highlighted what it described as an alarming trend of repression, supported by findings from its press freedom monitoring database covering January to June 2025.
Melody Akinjiyan, the IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, noted that the data points to rising hostility against media professionals under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, with three particularly troubling incidents reported between June and July.
IPC referenced the prolonged detention of Dr. Tekena Amieyeofori, a former staff member of Africa Independent Television (AIT) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Amieyeofori was reportedly arrested and is still being held by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly over a report on corruption involving the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The centre also cited how Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, an investigative journalist, was detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin.
Ahmed was detained for condemning a violent crackdown on peaceful protesters after he honoured police invitation.
Most disturbing is the murder of Ayo Aiyepekun, a photojournalist with Inside Story in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Aiyepekun was reportedly killed on Tuesday, July 22, at his residence, which also housed the Inside Story office.
The IPC called for immediate justice in the case.
Reacting to these incidents, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, stated, “We are deeply worried about the continuous clampdown on press freedom under this present administration.
“The restrictions on journalists’ ability to carry out their obligation and regular violations of their constitutional rights is highly condemnable.”
He further criticised what he described as a lack of commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to tolerate dissent and uphold freedom of expression, as stated in his Democracy Day broadcast.
The IPC-SPJ Hub has called for thorough, independent investigations into each of these assaults and urged an immediate end to the violations and attacks against journalists nationwide.
The IPC reaffirmed its stance on press freedom, saying, “IPC-SPJ Hub will continue to emphasize the importance of a free press for a healthy democracy.”
The IPC’s latest call added to growing concerns among civil society groups and international watchdogs over Nigeria’s deteriorating press freedom climate.