IPC Condemns Unwarranted Police Surveillance on Its Premises, Calls for Immediate Halt

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The International Press Centre (IPC) has denounced the surveillance of its premises by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the incident as a direct attack on press freedom and the right to free speech.

The incident took place on Tuesday, June 11th, at approximately 1:40 pm when two plainclothes officers confronted an IPC staff member at the entrance of the organization’s office in Dideolu Estate, Ogba

The officers, who admitted to having been parked nearby for some time before making contact, claimed their mission was to conduct surveillance related to a press conference held at the IPC on June 6th. This conference was organized by various groups discussing their plans for the June 12th anniversary. The officers also refused to disclose their names, stating that their superiors had instructed them to investigate whether a nationwide protest was being planned at the IPC. This claim was immediately refuted by the IPC staff member.

In a statement, IPC decried this action as an unjustified siege and intimidation of its staff. “IPC decries this unwarranted siege on its premises and the attendant intimidation of its staff,” the statement read. The organization emphasized that it is not involved in planning or organizing any protest, whether on June 12 or any other day.

The Institution also revealed that the incident on June 11th follows a similar occurrence last Friday when two individuals identifying themselves as officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Watch visited the IPC. They demanded information about an alleged protest following the same press conference. This pattern of visits has raised concerns about the increasing pressure on the IPC and its operations.

“The management of the IPC demands an immediate halt to the siege as it further undermines the civic space while constituting another dimension to the spate of attacks on press freedom and the right to free speech in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

The IPC, a media resource institution established 25 years ago, is dedicated to expanding the frontiers of media freedom, ensuring the safety of journalists, promoting media independence, and advocating for the right to freedom of expression. It also provides facilities for various events, including press conferences, which are utilized by a wide range of groups and individuals.

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