MRA Demands Probe After Police Assault Journalist In Bauchi

The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) on Monday demanded an immediate and transparent investigation after Albarka Radio journalist Mohammed Adamu was allegedly assaulted by police officers while covering the Eid Durbar celebration in Bununu.

MRA described the attack as yet another unacceptable violation of media freedom and journalist safety in Nigeria.

In a statement, its programme officer, John Gbadamosi, called for the prosecution of all officers involved and for adequate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

MRA further called for the provision of adequate compensation to the journalist for the injuries he suffered as a result of the unwarranted attack and the egregious violation of his rights.

According to reports, Mr. Adamu was at the venue of the event in the course of his legitimate professional duties when he was stopped by police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Jamilu Kabir, a Superintendent of Police, as he was walking towards the area designated for members of the media in order to cover the event.

Mr. Adamu was said to have insisted on his right to cover the event as the police officers attempted to prevent him from doing so, he was beaten by several officers despite identifying himself as a journalist. He was reportedly assaulted with sticks, resulting in injuries to his head from which he 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.

The statement read, “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.”

“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 brutalise them.”

Gbadamosi 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.

Further, he 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.