The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has taken a decisive stand against perceived attacks on press freedom by blacklisting the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and two state governors. The names of the police chief and the governors of Akwa Ibom and Niger states were entered into the organization's newly unveiled "Book of Infamy."
Unveiling the Book of Infamy
Vice President Kashim Shettima formally presented the Book of Infamy during the second annual conference of IPI Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The symbolic act highlighted a growing concern over the treatment of journalists and media houses in the country. The governors documented are Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State. In a contrasting move, the institute honored the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwaosin Ajayi, for his responsiveness to the institute's interventions.
Reasons Behind the Blacklist
The blacklisting follows specific incidents and a pattern of behavior deemed hostile to a free press. According to reports, IGP Kayode Egbetokun was cited for ignoring calls from IPI Nigeria to halt the arbitrary arrest of journalists by police officers across Nigeria. This inaction, despite appeals, formed the basis for his inclusion.
For Governor Umo Eno, the trigger was the barring of a Channels Television crew from covering events at the Akwa Ibom State Government House. This act of denying access to a major media outlet was viewed as a direct suppression of journalistic work.
The case against Governor Mohammed Umar Bago stemmed from his directive to shut down Badeggi FM Radio in Minna. The action was taken on Thursday, July 31, 2025, during an expanded Niger State APC caucus meeting. Governor Bago accused the privately owned station of "inciting violence" and operating unethically, subsequently calling for its broadcasting license to be revoked.
Reactions and Condemnation
The shutdown of Badeggi FM drew sharp criticism from various quarters. Abubakar Shuaib, the station's director of operations, implored the governor to use proper channels for complaints instead of deploying security operatives to harass its staff.
More damning was the reaction from Amnesty International. In a statement issued on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Isa Sanusi, the director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned Governor Bago's directive. He described it as a misuse of power and an assault on press freedom, labeling the action as "misguided and unjustifiable." Sanusi further criticized the state government for targeting the media while failing to address the deteriorating security situation in Niger State.
IPI Nigeria confirmed that it had appealed to both governors to reconsider their decisions, but the appeals were refused, leading to the final blacklisting.
The honoring of DSS DG Ajayi was based on his agency's willingness to listen to IPI's concerns and correct identified wrongdoings, setting a different example for state and security actors. This move by IPI Nigeria underscores a critical moment for press freedom advocacy in the country, naming and shaming high-profile figures accused of undermining democratic principles.
