The International Press Centre (IPC) has warned of growing threats to press freedom under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, citing recent cases of harassment, arrests, and the killing of journalists.”
In a statement through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, IPC said its monitoring showed a worrying increase in press freedom violations between January and June 2025.
According to the Centre’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, at least three major attacks on journalists occurred between June and July alone.
One case is the continued detention of Dr. Tekena Amieyeofori, a former staff of Africa Independent Television (AIT), who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) after a report he did on alleged corruption at the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Another involves Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, an investigative journalist who was arrested by the Kwara State Police Command after he criticized the use of force against peaceful protesters.
The most disturbing, according to IPC, is the murder of Ayo Aiyepekun, a photojournalist with *Inside Story*, who was killed at his home in Lokoja on July 22. His house also served as the outlet’s office.
Reacting to these incidents, IPC’s Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, said the climate for press freedom in Nigeria is worsening.
“There’s a steady pattern of attacks, arrests, and killings of journalists under this administration. It violates their rights and undermines democracy,” he said.
He also pointed out that President Tinubu’s public promises to protect free expression are not being kept.
The Centre called for full investigations into the cases and urged the government to stop silencing the press and protect journalists instead.
“A free press is essential in any democracy. We will keep pushing until journalists are safe and those who attack them face justice,” IPC added.
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