The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has listed Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun in its “Book of Infamy,” a blacklist documenting public officials and institutions accused of suppressing press freedom.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Institute’s Annual General Meeting in Abuja, themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria.”
Launched in 2022, the Book of Infamy also known as the Book of Accountability serves as a permanent record of individuals and agencies implicated in media repression, harassment, or obstruction of journalists.
IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, said Governor Bago was listed for ordering the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM on August 1, 2025, despite multiple interventions from the Institute and the Minister of Information. Mojeed described the shutdown as “undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unacceptable.”
Governor Umo Eno was added for expelling Channels Television journalists Christopher Mufat and Kufe Ipe from the Akwa Ibom Government House after their reporting highlighted remarks the governor made. According to Mojeed, all efforts to engage the governor were ignored.
Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun was also listed for what IPI described as a failure to curb widespread police harassment and arrests of journalists across the country, despite previous engagements with the Force Headquarters.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the meeting, appealed for a two-week grace period to intervene on behalf of the listed officials.
“Give us a grace period of two weeks,” he urged. “Governor Umo Eno is a pastor and a humble man… Bago is my friend as well; I will invite him to my office. We will sort things out.”
He also pledged to speak with the IGP, describing him as “a man in the eye of the storm.”
In contrast to the listings, IPI Nigeria honoured the Director-General of the State Security Service (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, with its Commendation Award for his demonstrated commitment to press freedom and respectful engagement with journalists and media organisations.
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