BREAKING: IPI Blacklists IGP Egbetokun, Two Governors

• IPI Nigeria has indicted the Inspector General of Police and two governors in its newly unveiled Book of Infamy, while praising DSS DG Adeola Ajayi for reforms and cooperation with the media.

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has listed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, alongside two state governors, in its newly introduced Book of Infamy, while honouring the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for positive engagement with the media.

The Book of Infamy was unveiled on Tuesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the second Annual Conference of IPI Nigeria.

According to IPI, the first three individuals inducted into the Book of Infamy include the governors of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, and Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, along with the IGP.
Egbetokun was cited for failing to halt the arbitrary arrests of journalists nationwide despite repeated warnings from the institute. Governor Eno was listed for barring Channels TV crew from covering government activities in Akwa Ibom, while Governor Bago ordered the closure of Badeggi FM, a private radio station. IPI noted that both governors refused to reverse their actions despite appeals.

In contrast, DSS DG Adeola Ajayi was commended for his openness and willingness to correct institutional wrongs flagged by IPI. One highlighted achievement was the removal of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, from the government’s watchlist after nearly 40 years.

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Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, speaking as Special Guest at the event, emphasised that an independent press remains central to a thriving democracy. He urged stakeholders to base discussions on factual realities, noting that the Tinubu administration continues to uphold press freedom and ensure journalists’ rights are respected.

Idris added that security agencies now operate under stricter protocols to safeguard journalists, especially in conflict zones and during civil demonstrations. He reiterated that the current administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for media organisations to operate without fear, strengthening national dialogue and democratic accountability.