The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has added Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to its Book of Infamy for what it described as persistent violations of press freedom.
The announcement was made by the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, at the Institute’s Annual General Meeting held Tuesday in Abuja. This year’s AGM was themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria.”
Established in 2022, the Book of Infamy—also referred to as the Book of Accountability—serves as a public record of individuals, government officials and institutions found to have violated press freedom or undermined the ability of journalists to operate freely.
Mr Mojeed said Governor Bago was listed for ordering the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM on 1 August 2025, despite interventions by the Institute and the Minister of Information. He described the governor’s action as “undemocratic, unconstitutional and unacceptable.”
Governor Eno was added to the list for expelling two Channels Television journalists—Christopher Mufat and Kufe Ipe—from the Akwa Ibom Government House on 24 May 2025 following a report that displeased the governor. According to Mr Mojeed, efforts to engage Mr Eno over the incident were ignored.
The IPI president also faulted the Inspector General of Police for what he called a failure to address “systemic repression” by police officers across the country, including the arrest and harassment of journalists. He said the listing was necessary given the continued disregard for press freedom despite previous engagements with the Force Headquarters.
“For failing to uphold his constitutional duties and allowing systematic media oppression, Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun is hereby listed,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the event, appealed to the Institute to grant a two-week window for mediation with the affected officials.
“I will engage Governor Umo Eno to ensure the Channels reporters are restored. Bago is my friend as well; I will invite him to my office, and we will sort things out,” Mr Shettima said, adding that he would also meet with the police chief.
At the event, the Director-General of the State Security Service, Adeola Ajayi, received IPI Nigeria’s Commendation Award for what the Institute described as his commitment to upholding press freedom and respecting journalists and media organisations.
