The International Press Centre (IPC) has raised alarm over the arrest and repeated detention of Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, in connection with her coverage of a land dispute.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, IPC revealed that Ogujiuba, a former ThisDay journalist, was detained twice and has continually been summoned to Abuja, despite being resident in Lagos.
Lanre Arogundade, executive director of IPC, condemned the development, describing it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence journalists.
“These acts of intimidation, harassment, and detention are unacceptable. The police and the federal government must respect the right to freedom of expression,” Arogundade said.
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He stressed that if there were genuine allegations against Ogujiuba, the police should follow due process rather than subjecting her to constant harassment.
Reiterating its call for the protection of press freedom, IPC urged Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to put an end to the harassment and ensure Ogujiuba’s safety.
The centre further emphasized that safeguarding journalists is essential to strengthening democracy and holding power accountable.