The Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has expressed concerns over what it described as a coordinated “campaign of calumny and misinformation” targeting the organisation and its leadership after it recently unveiled its first-ever “Book of Infamy”, in which it listed three senior government officials whom it accused of violating media freedoms in Nigeria.
In a message circulated to members, IPI Nigeria President, Mr Musikilu Mojeed, said the smear campaign began shortly after the Institute, on December 2, 2025, listed two state governors and the Inspector-General of Police in its Book of Infamy, a platform used to spotlight unresolved cases and documented violations affecting journalists and media freedom in Nigeria.
According to Mojeed, since the publication of the Book of Infamy, “shadowy interests” have sought to intimidate and discredit both the Institute and its leadership through false allegations, planted commentaries, and coordinated narratives, some of which have appeared in mainstream media outlets.
The most recent instance cited by IPI Nigeria is a publication by The Authority newspaper on December 27, 2025, which claimed that a civil society organisation, Global Rights, had issued a statement accusing Mojeed of unethical conduct and questioning his integrity. Mojeed described the publication as “false, fabricated, and malicious,” noting that Global Rights has formally disowned the statement in its entirety.
In a disclaimer circulated to members, Global Rights reportedly confirmed that neither the organisation nor its Executive Director authored, authorised, or endorsed the claims attributed to it. The organisation further described the publication as a deliberate attempt to falsely implicate it in an ongoing controversy and has demanded a retraction and public apology, while also initiating legal steps against those responsible.
IPI Nigeria said this incident forms part of a broader pattern of attacks, including allegations of “weaponised journalism” and insinuations of inducement and blackmail, which it believes are intended to punish the Institute for insisting on accountability and speaking truth to power.
“No amount of intimidation, mudslinging, or character assassination will deter IPI Nigeria from its mission,” Mojeed stated, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to press freedom, journalists’ safety, ethical journalism, and an improved operating environment for the Nigerian media.
He also warned that those uncomfortable with scrutiny may attempt to use journalists, commentators, or media platforms as instruments in disinformation campaigns, describing such tactics as part of the growing cost of principled leadership and civic engagement in Nigeria.
While indicating that he would pursue appropriate legal steps to defend his integrity, Mojeed urged IPI Nigeria members to rely on verified information, resist the amplification of falsehoods, and remain united in defending press freedom.
