IPC condemns arrest of journalist Azuka Ogujiuba over land dispute report

The International Press Centre (IPC) says Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, was arrested by police operatives over her coverage of a land dispute case.

In a statement on Wednesday IPC said Ogujiuba, former journalist with ThisDay Newspapers, was detained on two occasions and, despite being based in Lagos, has been repeatedly summoned to Abuja in connection with the case.

Lanre Arogundade, IPC’s executive director, described the development as “highly condemnable”, accusing the police of weaponising harassment against journalists.

“These actions of intimidation, harassment and detention are highly condemnable and the police, alongside the federal government, must uphold their responsibility to respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression,” the statement reads.

“If the police have anything against Azuka Ogujiuba or if she has committed any crime, the right and lawful step should be taken, not subjecting her to constant harassment.”

The organisation reiterated the need to safeguard press freedom and end all forms of harassment of journalists.

IPC urged Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, to end the harassment and guarantee Ogujiuba’s safety.