International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has added three public officials to its newly launched “Book of Infamy,” a permanent accountability record documenting actions that undermine media freedom, while simultaneously honouring the Director‑General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as exemplary conduct in protecting journalists.
IPI Nigeria president Musikilu Mojeed said Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State was included for ordering the August 1 closure of Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station in Minna. Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was named for presiding over a police culture that, IPI says, tolerates impunity toward journalists — citing repeated arrests, unlawful summonses and detentions, including the high‑profile harassment of publisher Azuka Ogujiuba. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State was listed for barring Channels Television reporters from the Government House press centre after they reported an undemocratic remark by the governor; despite repeated engagement and formal letters from IPI, the exclusion had not been reversed seven months on.
At the launch event Vice‑President Kashim Shettima offered to mediate between IPI and the officials named, requesting two weeks to engage the parties and indicating his commitment to robust engagement to resolve the matters raised.
In striking contrast to those named in the Book of Infamy, IPI Nigeria lavished praise on SSS Director‑General Adeola Ajayi, formally recognising him for his leadership since taking office in August 2024. IPI highlighted a clear pattern of positive change at the service under Ajayi’s stewardship: prompt resolution of harassment and unlawful detentions, permanent removal of long‑standing watchlist entries for journalists, immediate releases when detentions occurred, and constructive engagement with media houses to resolve disputes without confrontation.
Musikilu Mojeed and IPI framed Ajayi’s approach as exemplary and worthy of emulation across government and security agencies. They commended the SSS for demonstrating restraint, professionalism and a firm respect for constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, saying that Ajayi’s conduct has contributed to a safer operating environment for journalists and has set a positive standard for accountability and protection of the press.
IPI said the recognition of Mr Ajayi was intended not only to acknowledge what it called “commendable leadership” but also to encourage other officials to follow suit in upholding media freedom and the rule of law. The Book of Infamy, IPI stressed, is both a public record and a warning: it aims to hold accountable those who repeatedly harass, intimidate or unlawfully restrict journalists and to promote a climate in which independent reporting can thrive.
The move comes amid growing concern over press freedom in Nigeria. The country dropped 10 places in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, falling from 112th in 2024 to 122nd, a decline IPI said underlines the urgency of safeguarding journalists and strengthening institutional protections for the media.
