The International Press Centre (IPC) has condemned the alleged assault of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), by policemen at the Ikeja Police Command in Lagos.
Ojukwu was reportedly attacked on Friday, August 29, 2025, while seeking details about officers accused of extorting detainees. IPC said three policemen seized his phone, assaulted him, and left him with broken glasses, a ripped wristwatch, and body injuries.
IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, described the incident as a threat to press freedom and urged the police to investigate, punish the culprits, and compensate Ojukwu.
The centre also called on the Police PRO, Benjamin Hundeyin, to review CCTV footage of the incident and ensure accountability.
In a related matter, IPC raised concerns over the alleged verbal abuse of veteran journalist Ladi Bala by the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railways Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, following a rail service disruption. Opeifa has reportedly apologised.
Arogundade stressed that public officials and security agencies must cooperate with journalists during emergencies rather than intimidate them.
