The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has strongly condemned the alleged assault of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), by police officers at the Ikeja Police Command in Lagos.

According to the IPC’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, Ojukwu was reportedly attacked on Friday, while carrying out his duties at the police station. He had gone to meet with the Complaints Response Unit (CRU) and obtain details of police officers accused of extorting money from detainees.

The Centre said Ojukwu was physically and mentally assaulted when he approached the Squad 1 office to inquire about the accused officers. “Three policemen pounced on him, seized his phone and began going through it,” IPC disclosed.

The journalist sustained multiple injuries during the incident. His eyeglasses were broken, his wristwatch ripped off, and his phone damaged.

Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, described the attack as “a major threat to press freedom and democracy” while stressing that such acts violate journalists’ fundamental human rights. He urged the police to exercise restraint and uphold their constitutional duty of protecting citizens, including journalists.

The IPC called on the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, to fulfil his promise of reviewing CCTV footage of the incident and ensure accountability. It also demanded compensation for Ojukwu and the prosecution of officers involved in the assault.

Furthermore, the SPJ Hub urged the Nigeria Police Force to step up the training of its personnel, stressing that officers must show respect and civility in the discharge of their duties.

In a related development, the SPJ Hub also raised concerns over a recent altercation between the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railways Corporation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, and an editor with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ms. Ladi Bala, a former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ). The clash reportedly occurred during the disruption of rail services between Abuja and Kaduna following a crash.

Bala told IPC she was verbally abused and threatened by Opeifa, who has since offered a verbal apology. Commenting on the matter, Mr. Arogundade said: “Emergency situations will always occur, and public officials must be willing to accommodate journalists’ quest for credible information. Public interest dictates cooperation, patience, and civility in dealing with the press.”

The IPC reiterated its call for Nigerian authorities to guarantee press freedom and ensure that journalists can work without fear of harassment, intimidation, or assault.