NUJ and CJID Demand IG Sanction DPO for Journalist Attack

Journalist Assaulted by Police in Bauchi State Sparks Calls for Accountability

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to take full responsibility for the medical expenses incurred by a journalist who was allegedly assaulted by police officers in Bauchi State. The organization also demanded a public apology from the authorities involved in the incident.

In addition to these demands, CJID urged the immediate suspension and sanctioning of the Divisional Police Officer of Bununu Division, Jamilu Kabir, along with other officers implicated in the attack. This call for action comes after a journalist working with Albarka Radio, Mohammed Adamu, was reportedly beaten by several police officers during an event in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.

Incident Details and Escalation

According to a statement issued by CJID’s Deputy Director, Journalism Programme, Busola Ajibola, the journalist was on official duty covering a Sallah Durbar event when he was intercepted by a police constable at the council secretariat while trying to gain access to the venue. Despite identifying himself as a journalist and presenting his professional identity card, Adamu was met with hostility from the officer.

The situation escalated when the DPO, Jamilu Kabir, approached the journalist. Instead of ensuring his safety, the officer allegedly pushed him and ordered his men to “deal” with him. According to reports, about 10 police officers then assaulted the journalist, beating him with sticks and causing a severe head injury that left him bleeding.

Medical Expenses and Lack of Transparency

CJID alleged that the officers compounded the situation by abandoning the injured journalist at a hospital after initially directing that he be taken there. This left the victim to pay his medical bills. The organization described the incident as a gross violation of human rights and press freedom, highlighting a disturbing pattern of impunity.

Ajibola emphasized that the press is a constitutionally recognized pillar of democracy and can only function optimally in a safe environment. She expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the investigation reportedly initiated by the Bauchi State Police Command, noting that as of the time of filing the report, the victim had not been formally invited to give a statement.

Efforts to reach the Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Habib Nafiu, and the DPO for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not responded to.

Demands for Immediate Action

CJID urged the police chief to ensure the immediate suspension of the officers involved to prevent interference with the investigation. It also called for a thorough and transparent probe that would include the victim’s testimony and lead to appropriate sanctions for all culpable officers.

Furthermore, the organization demanded that the Nigeria Police Force take full responsibility for the journalist’s medical expenses and tender a public apology. It also appealed to the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to guarantee a safe and enabling environment for journalists in the state.

Response from the Nigeria Union of Journalists

In a similar vein, the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has threatened to take severe actions following the assault on a journalist in the state. The union called on all media houses to remain vigilant and await further directives as it condemned the incident, which occurred during the Sallah celebration in Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

In a statement issued on Monday by the State Secretary, Isah Gadau, the NUJ described the attack as barbaric and unacceptable. The statement read in part: “This act of brutality is a gross violation of human rights, a direct attack on press freedom, and a disgraceful display of lawlessness by officers who are expected to protect, not harm, citizens.”

Gadau demanded that the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, immediately investigate the incident and sanction all officers involved. He further insisted that the Bauchi State Police Command must take full responsibility for the victim’s medical expenses without delay.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

Responding to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nafiu Abubakar, said the Commissioner of Police had condemned the incident and ordered an investigation into the alleged involvement of the officers. He stated that the Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction over the development, stressing that police personnel are deployed to protect lives and property, not to assault civilians.

“I see this incident as an affront to Nigerian journalists, with whom we have built a mutual relationship over the years. We will investigate the matter, and appropriate sanctions will be applied to anyone found wanting,” he assured the public.

The police command also assured that an investigative and disciplinary team had been constituted to handle the matter in line with extant laws.