Nigeria’s police chief, two Governors listed in media’s book of shame

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and two Nigerian Governors have been listed in media’s book of shame by the

International Press Institute, IPI Nigeria arising from plethora of human rights violations.

Other personalities that were sanctioned by IPI include Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno,

This came to the fore during the IPI Nigeria, convened its 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference on Tuesday in Abuja where the media freedom, accountability, and the fight against repression was spotlighted.

The “Book of Infamy” is a compilation of documented cases of media repression and press-freedom violations.

It also seeks to spotlight instances where journalists and media organisations have faced harassment, intimidation, arrest or other forms of suppression, whether at the hands of public officials, security agents, private individuals or institutions.

During the event, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Tosin Ajayi was honoured by IPI Nigeria for being responsive to issues of media freedom and ensuring that security operatives do not violate the rights of journalists and media houses.

African Independent Television said, the two-day event was tagged, “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria”.

With over 100 media executives, journalists, press-freedom advocates, academics, and senior government officials from across Nigeria, the event was headlined by top government officials, former ministers, media association leaders and veteran journalists including Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

The decision by IPI however took Vice President Shettima aback while pledging to intervene and resolve any issue the media has with the two Governors and IGP Egbetokun.

According to IPI Nigeria’s leadership, the book is meant to serve as an accountability tool and public record to help deter future abuses and promote respect for constitutional media freedom.