Media Rights Agenda has condemned the reported assault on Albarka Radio journalist, Mohammed Adamu, by police officers in Bauchi state over the weekend. The incident occurred while Adamu was covering the Eid Durbar celebration in Bununu, headquarters of the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.
According to reports, Adamu was stopped by police officers led by Superintendent of Police Jamilu Kabir as he was walking towards the area designated for members of the media. When Adamu insisted on his right to cover the event, he was beaten by several officers despite identifying himself as a journalist.
Mohammed Adamu sustained injuries to his head from which he was bleeding profusely, was subjected to verbal abuse, and forced to leave the venue. He was later treated at a medical facility for the injuries he sustained.
Media Rights Agenda has 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 Adamu for the injuries he suffered.
The rights group is deeply concerned about the incident, which appears to be part of a disturbing pattern of harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks against journalists in Bauchi state and across Nigeria.
The assault on Mohammed Adamu by police officers in Bauchi state is a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in Nigeria. The actions of Superintendent Jamilu Kabir and his team are a clear violation of Adamu's fundamental rights and undermine the public's right to receive information. The fact that this incident occurred in Bauchi state, which has a history of targeting journalists, raises serious questions about the state's commitment to media freedom. The Nigerian government must take concrete steps to protect journalists and ensure that those responsible for this assault are held accountable.
