Media Rights Agenda Calls for Concrete Action from Bauchi Police Commissioner
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has issued a strong demand to Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urging him to move beyond mere statements and take decisive action following the assault on Albarka Radio reporter, Mohammed Adamu, by police officers under his command. While welcoming the Commissioner's condemnation of the incident, which occurred last Saturday, MRA emphasized that concrete measures are essential to prevent future attacks against journalists and uphold media freedom in Nigeria.
Police Response and MRA's Critique
In a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer Nafiu Habib, Commissioner Aliyu reportedly met with the leadership of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bauchi State, the General Manager of Albarka Radio, and relatives of the journalist. During this meeting, he condemned the attack and promised a thorough investigation. However, MRA, through its Communications Officer Idowu Adewale, expressed skepticism, noting that similar assurances have been given in the past following assaults on journalists across the country, yet harassment, unlawful arrests, and intimidation by security agencies continue to occur with alarming frequency.
Adewale argued, "It is essential that the Bauchi State Police Command goes beyond statements of condemnation and ensures that this case results in a transparent investigation, the identification of all the police officers involved, and the imposition of appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law." He stressed that a credible investigation requires placing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Jamilu Kabir, who is alleged to have led the assault, on suspension. This step, he noted, is standard practice in criminal investigations involving officials to prevent witness tampering, evidence manipulation, or obstruction of justice.
Concerns Over Investigation Integrity
MRA highlighted that SP Jamilu Kabir's continued stay in office could undermine the integrity of the investigation and public confidence. Adewale added, "The continued stay of Police Superintendent Jamilu in office gives the unfortunate impression that whatever investigation may be going on is not a serious one and that he is being protected by the institution despite the serious allegations of wrongdoing against him." The organization called on the Nigeria Police Force at both federal and state levels to implement proactive measures, including training officers on journalists' rights, issuing clear operational directives for media engagement, and enforcing strict disciplinary consequences for violations.
Albarka Radio's Demands and Solidarity
Echoing MRA's calls, the management of Albarka Radio has demanded the immediate suspension of SP Jamilu Kabir and maximum sanctions for the officers involved if found culpable. In a statement, General Manager Dauda Ciroma described the assault as a "vicious, unprovoked and dehumanising attack" that has deeply traumatized the station. Ciroma expressed alignment with the Bauchi State Council of the NUJ and confidence in the union's leadership to secure justice. He also appreciated the solidarity from individuals and organizations, which reinforces the demand for a thorough investigation and swift disciplinary action.
While acknowledging the Commissioner's statement condemning the incident and promising an investigation, Albarka Radio urged police authorities to suspend the DPO pending the probe's outcome to ensure transparency. This incident underscores ongoing challenges to press freedom in Nigeria, with advocacy groups and media outlets pushing for accountability and systemic reforms to protect journalists from abuse by security forces.
