By Adewole Kehinde
The recent statement credited to the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, and particularly the remarks made by its President, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, is yet another unfortunate attempt to blackmail the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and diminish the numerous reforms he has championed since assuming office. While constructive criticism is healthy, misrepresentation of facts is not—and in this case, Mr. Mojeed got it terribly wrong.
To begin with, Mr. Mojeed’s assertion that IGP Egbetokun’s “reactions to protesters and journalists demonstrated a lack of media friendliness” is completely at variance with reality.
In fact, the Egbetokun-led police administration stands as the first in Nigeria’s democratic history to openly and actively support the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly while explicitly directing the protection of journalists covering such events.
A clear example was seen during the 2024 “End Bad Governance” protests. The Inspector-General of Police not only permitted peaceful demonstrations across the country but also issued firm instructions to the Deputy Inspectors-General of Operations and Intelligence, all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General, and the Commissioners of Police in every state to safeguard the rights of protesters and journalists.
Journalists covering the nationwide protests were given unhindered access, escorted where necessary, and treated with absolute respect. No other IGP has demonstrated such deliberate openness towards media operations during civil demonstrations. This is a historical fact.
Therefore, to suggest that IGP Egbetokun is “hostile to journalists” is not only false but fundamentally misleading.
Mr. Mojeed also got it wrong when he alleged that the IGP “allowed systematic oppression of journalists through unnecessary arrests by the police, right under his watch.”
This is a sweeping generalization that fails to acknowledge the fundamental realities of policing and the rule of law.
For the avoidance of doubt: the Nigeria Police Force is the principal law enforcement and lead security agency in Nigeria. Its core responsibilities include enforcing laws, maintaining public order and safety, and preventing and detecting crime nationwide. In carrying out these duties, the police are legally obligated to enforce valid court orders, regardless of the profession, social status, or public profile of individuals involved.
Every journalist arrest cited by Mr. Mojeed was tied to a court order or a criminal complaint backed by legal directives. The police do not possess the discretion to ignore court orders simply because the subject of the order is a journalist.
To do so would amount to a breakdown of the rule of law and an invitation to institutional anarchy.
What IPI Nigeria should champion is due process, not the shielding of journalists from lawful procedures.
It is also important to state that IGP Egbetokun has been one of the most media-friendly Inspector-Generals of Police the Force has ever produced. Under his leadership:
- Journalists have enjoyed unprecedented access to police authorities.
- Press inquiries receive timely responses.
- Media practitioners are regularly briefed on security updates and operational developments.
- Engagements with media organizations have increased significantly to ensure transparency and mutual understanding.
Far from hostility, the Egbetokun era has been marked by openness, collaboration, and respect for press freedom, within the confines of the law.
The attempt by IPI Nigeria to vilify the IGP not only ignores these truths but also undermines the constructive relationship that currently exists between the media and the Nigeria Police Force. It is essential that organizations like IPI exercise responsibility, verify claims, and avoid politicizing sensitive national security matters.
IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun deserves commendation, not condemnation, for fostering one of the most media-friendly policing environments Nigeria has seen in recent times.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. Email: kennyadewole@gmail.com 08166240846
