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By Seyi Babalola
The International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has called on the new Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to prioritise press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists across the country.
In a statement signed and issued to Daily Sun by the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed and Legal adviser, IPI Nigeria, Tobi Soniyi, on Thursday, the media advocacy group urged Disu to end what it described as a pattern of harassment, intimidation and unlawful detention of journalists, which it said characterised the tenure of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun.
IPI Nigeria said journalists were repeatedly harassed, detained and, in some cases, assaulted while carrying out their constitutional duties under the previous leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The police, as a critical institution in a democratic society, has a constitutional responsibility to uphold the fundamental rights of all Nigerians, including the right to freedom of expression and of the press,” the organisation said.
The group called on the new police chief to take immediate steps to end harassment and unlawful detention of journalists, review and withdraw pending cases targeting media professionals, and introduce a comprehensive reorientation programme for police personnel focused on press freedom and human rights.
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IPI Nigeria also urged the police leadership to establish clear communication channels with media stakeholders to prevent and resolve conflicts.
The organisation said persistent violations during Egbetokun’s tenure compelled it to include the former police chief in its “Book of Infamy,” which documents individuals and institutions accused of facilitating or enabling attacks on press freedom in Nigeria.
IPI Nigeria expressed hope that Disu would chart a different course and rebuild trust between the police and the media, stressing that press freedom remains essential to sustaining democracy.
“A free and independent press strengthens accountability, enhances transparency and supports law enforcement efforts by informing the public responsibly,” the statement said, adding that the roles of the police and the media are complementary.
The organisation also pledged its readiness to engage constructively with the new police leadership to promote mutual respect and address concerns affecting journalists.
