…Demands immediate investigation, accountability.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Media Rights body, ‘Media Rights Agenda’ (MRA), on Monday condemned the reported assault on Albarka Radio journalist, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, by police officers over the weekend in Bauchi.
MRA said Mr. Adamu was reportedly brutalized, while covering the Eid Durbar celebration in Bununu, Headquarters to Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State, describing it as yet another unacceptable attack on media freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Lagos and shared to newsmen in Kaduna, MRA demanded an immediate, speedy and transparent investigation into the incident, which should result in the prosecution of all the police officers involved, and adequate compensation to the journalist for the injuries he suffered as a result of the unwarranted attack and the egregious violation of his rights.
The reports added that, Mr. Adamu was at the venue of the event to perform his legitimate professional duties when he was stopped when the incident occurred.
According to MRA, Mr. Adamu was assaulted by officers led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Jamilu Kabir, a Superintendent of Police, when he was walking towards the area designated for members of the media, in order to cover the event.
Mr. Adamu, according to MRA, said he insisted on his right to cover the event, but the police officers attempted to prevent him from doing so, which consequently led to is being beaten by several Police officers, despite identifying himself as a journalist.
He was reportedly assaulted with sticks, resulting in bloody injuries on his head, and was bleeding profusely, subjected to verbal abuse, and forced to leave the venue. He was later treated at a medical facility for the injuries he sustained.
MRA’s Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, stated: “We are deeply concerned about this incident itself, which also appears to form part of a disturbing pattern of harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks against journalists in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.
“Such actions by law enforcement officials not only violate the fundamental rights of journalists but also undermine the public’s right to receive information, which is essential for the functioning of a democratic society,” he stated.
According to him, “Under the Constitution of Nigeria, as well as regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party, journalists have the right to gather and disseminate information without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence. Security agencies have a duty to protect journalists, in the course of their work, and not to obstruct or brutalize them.”
Mr. Gbadamosi, therefore, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, to order an immediate, thorough, speedy, and transparent investigation into the incident, identify all officers involved, and ensure that those found responsible are prosecuted before a court of law and punished accordingly.
He also urged the IGP to take urgent steps to address the recurring attacks on journalists by police personnel nationwide, including through effective training, clear operational directives, and strict disciplinary measures whenever violations occur.
MRA called on the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting freedom of expression and media freedom by ensuring that security agencies respect the rights of journalists at all times.
In particularly, respect media during public events where the presence of the media is essential, for public accountability, adding that the continued failure to hold perpetrators accountable for attacks on journalists has encouraged impunity and created a climate of fear that threatens the survival of independent journalism in Nigeria.