In a gathering that brought together media professionals, academics and law enforcement stakeholders, veteran journalist Frank Oshanugor formally unveiled his latest work, Crime Beat Reporting in Nigeria, in Lagos, marking a significant addition to the country’s journalism and criminology literature.
The 345-page publication, years in the making, reflects Oshanugor’s extensive experience spanning over three decades as a crime reporter and editor. Speaking at the event, the author expressed deep appreciation to his support network, particularly the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), colleagues and distinguished guests who have shaped his professional journey. He described the book as both a repository of hard earned knowledge and a deliberate effort to document the evolution of crime reporting in Nigeria.
According to Oshanugor, the work is designed to serve multiple audiences; from practicing journalists seeking depth in reportage to students of mass communication and criminology in tertiary institutions. Beyond its’ instructional value, he noted, the book stands as a historical chronicle of CRAN’s growth and the broader transformation of crime journalism in the country.
Chairing the event, Dr. David Akhimien praised the author as a leading authority in crime reporting, highlighting his longstanding contributions to the field. Akhimien referenced Oshanugor’s earlier works and acknowledged their academic relevance, revealing that the author’s insights significantly informed his own research in criminology. He urged the public to engage with the book, describing it as more than a collection of writings but a defining contribution that elevates standards in Nigerian crime reporting.
The endorsement from law enforcement was equally emphatic. The Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, represented at the event by Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Adeshina Lawal, commended the author for producing a work of clarity and insight. He noted that the book offers a constructive reflection of the relationship between journalists and the police, underscoring its relevance in fostering mutual understanding and professionalism.
Providing a scholarly perspective, Professor Chijoke Uwasomba of Obafemi Awolowo University delivered a detailed review of the book, recommending it as an essential guide for readers and policymakers alike. He described the publication as a framework capable of shaping informed perceptions about crime, justice and media responsibility in contemporary society.
With Crime Beat Reporting in Nigeria, Oshanugor not only distills decades of frontline experience but also offers a timely intervention in the discourse on media ethics, public safety and institutional accountability
