IPC Condemns Attacks on Journalists Covering #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest

By Chinedu Echianu

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned in strong terms the reported attacks on journalists who were covering the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja on Monday, October 20, 2025.

In a statement issued through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, IPC described the incidents as “a disturbing recurrence of history,” expressing deep concern over the growing hostility against journalists on legitimate duty.

According to information gathered by the IPC-SPJ Hub, several journalists were subjected to physical assault, unlawful arrest, and damage to equipment while reporting on the protest coordinated by activist Omoyele Sowore, which demanded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Among the reported incidents, a BusinessDay media crew consisting of Tony Ailemen, Tunde Adeniyi, Ladi Patrick-Okwoli, and Michael Godwin narrowly escaped harm when police officers allegedly fired tear gas at their vehicle, shattering its windshield as they conducted interviews at the protest site.

Similarly, two Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists, John Okunyomih and Nicholas Roll, were reportedly arrested by police operatives after tear gas was fired at them. Their phones, cameras, and other work tools were confiscated.

The Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, condemned the actions, stressing that journalists must not be treated as targets while carrying out their constitutional duties.

“Under no condition should journalists on legitimate duty be subjected to attack by security agencies,” he said. “The rights of journalists to cover and report protests and other societal activities as guaranteed by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and various regulatory frameworks have not been respected as expected.”

Arogundade called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to investigate the attacks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The IPC reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and the protection of journalists, urging government agencies to uphold democratic values and ensure a safe environment for media practitioners.