Press Freedom: Police Authorities Vow to Strengthen Collaboration with Journalists
By Rahma Oladosu & Zeenat Sambo, in Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with journalists to promote mutual understanding and ensure effective public communication.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, gave the assurance during a panel discussion titled “Shrinking Freedoms: Who Protects Nigeria’s Civic Defenders?” at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) conference in Lagos.
Adebisi reaffirmed the police’s willingness to support the media in the course of their duties, noting that many conflicts between journalists and law enforcement often stem from “misunderstanding, misinformation, and false narratives” spread by unprofessional actors.
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“The police are your friends. We understand there have been issues over the years between the two parties, but many of these arose from fake stories and distorted accounts that cause tension in society. When we respond, the police end up being blamed,” she said.
Adebisi urged journalists to uphold ethical standards and avoid sensational or misleading reports that could damage reputations and destabilise the public space.
She further assured that the police would deepen engagement with media houses, journalists, and youth groups to develop stronger collaborative frameworks aimed at improving civic safety and minimising confrontations between the police and media practitioners.
Also speaking at the session, the Founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, lamented that “the light of freedom has been dimmed by some corrupt police officers,” urging the Force to address internal corruption and protect journalists from intimidation by powerful individuals.
The panel, moderated by Amaka Okoye, Bureau Coordinator for Deutsche Welle, also featured Professor Ernest Ereke, Peter Keulers, and Motunrayo Alaka, who jointly emphasised the shared responsibility of the state, media, and civil society in defending human rights and civic freedoms.
Alaka concluded with a call for collective vigilance, noting that, “When defenders are silenced, democracy loses its voice.”
