The International Press Centre has expressed concern over alleged police brutality against a journalist in Lagos. Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, was physically and mentally assaulted by police officers while visiting the Complaints Response Unit to obtain details about accused policemen. Ojukwu’s eyeglasses were smashed, his wristwatch was taken, and his phone was damaged during the incident.
The IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists programme has urged the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer to review CCTV footage and ensure those responsible are held accountable. The programme has also demanded that the police compensate Ojukwu for the attack and institute reforms to guarantee respect and protection for journalists. The IPC emphasized that officers must be reminded of their primary duty to protect citizens, including journalists.
In a separate incident, an editor with the Nigerian Television Authority, Mrs Ladi Bala, was verbally abused and threatened by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, while covering a train derailment incident. The IPC-SPJ Hub condemned the treatment, stressing the need for public officials to cooperate with journalists during emergencies. Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, noted that journalists have a duty to seek credible information in the public interest and that public officials must explain security concerns patiently and avoid threatening remarks.
Opeifa has since apologized to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, acknowledging that his conduct was unacceptable. The NUJ had earlier demanded a public apology over the incident. The apologies and demands for accountability highlight the ongoing concerns about the safety and protection of journalists in Nigeria. The IPC’s efforts to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to work without fear of intimidation or harassment are crucial in ensuring that the public has access to accurate and credible information.
