The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has defended its decision to blacklist Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun in its new Nigeria Book of Infamy—a public registry documenting officials who undermine press freedom.
The names were unveiled on December 2 at the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and AGM in Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima and Information Minister Mohammed Idris formally launched the book.
IPI said the initiative aims to hold state actors accountable for actions that intimidate journalists or violate constitutionally protected media rights.
IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, announced that the first set of entries would include the two governors and the police chief, citing their “repeated excesses against the media” despite multiple attempts at constructive engagement.
In a detailed statement released Thursday, the institute outlined the violations that led to their inclusion.
IPI Nigeria accused Governor Bago of overseeing persistent attacks on journalists and media organisations in Niger State.
The most blatant, it said, was the shutdown of Badegi 90.1 FM in Minna on August 1, 2025.
During an APC meeting, Bago reportedly ordered the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to seal the station and profile its owner over alleged criticism of his administration.
IPI condemned the action on August 3 and attempted dialogue with the state government, but said its efforts were ignored.
Although public pressure forced the reopening of the station, the institute said harassment of journalists in the state continued.
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