The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has blacklisted Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over violation of press freedom
The Book of Infamy, also known as the Book of Accountability, is a public blacklist documenting officials and institutions accused of violating press freedom in Nigeria. Launched in 2022, it records incidents of media harassment, censorship, and obstruction of journalists.
IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, announced the new entries on Tuesday during the Institute’s Annual General Meeting in Abuja, themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria.”
Mojeed said Governors Bago and Eno were listed for actions against journalists: Bago ordered the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM on August 1, 2025, while Eno expelled Channels Television reporters Christopher Mufat and Kufe Ipe from the Akwa Ibom Government House on May 24, 2025.
According to Mojeed, both governors ignored repeated attempts by the Institute and the Minister of Information to reverse their actions.
“The matter remains unresolved. For this reason, Governor Bago is hereby listed,” Mojeed said. On Governor Eno, he added: “For refusing to reverse his administration’s repressive action and for perpetuating a climate hostile to journalists, Governor Umo Eno is hereby listed in the Book of Accountability.”
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was included for allegedly failing to address systemic media repression by police officers across the country, including harassment and arrests of journalists, despite engagements with Force Headquarters. “For failing to uphold his constitutional duties and allowing systematic media oppression, Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun is hereby listed,” Mojeed said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the AGM, appealed for a two-week period to mediate between IPI and the listed officials. “I crave your indulgence. Give us a grace period of two weeks. Governor Umo Eno is a pastor and a humble man. I will impress on him to restore those Channel reporters. Bago is my friend as well; I will invite him to my office and we will sort things out,” Shettima said. He also promised to engage Egbetokun, describing him as “a man in the eye of the storm.”
Meanwhile, IPI Nigeria presented the Director-General of the State Security Service, Adeola Ajayi, with its Commendation Award for his “unmistakable commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.”
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 Nigeria has added Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to its ‘Book of Infamy’.){kind=link}