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The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has strongly condemned what it described as a case of police brutality against a journalist in Bauchi State, warning that the incident poses a serious threat to press freedom and democratic governance in Nigeria.
In a statement released on March 23, 2026, and signed by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, the organisation, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, expressed outrage over the alleged assault on Mohammed Adamu, a reporter with Albarka Radio and a media partner to Wikki Times. The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend during the Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, headquarters of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.
According to findings by the IPC-SPJ Hub, the journalist was subjected to both physical and verbal assault by police officers while carrying out his professional duties at the event. Adamu recounted that he was part of a media team covering the festivities alongside an information officer when he was stopped by a police constable on his way to the designated media area.
He further alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area, SP Jamilu Kabir, ordered him to vacate the venue despite identifying himself as a journalist. “I tried to identify myself, but he started hurling insults at me. Even as I told him I am a reporter, he began beating me. Other officers whom I knew joined in assaulting me. Many others kept beating and brutalising me,” Adamu stated.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Director of the IPC, Lanre Arogundade, described the incident as an abuse of power and an excessive use of force that undermines democracy. He stressed that such actions not only threaten press freedom but also constitute a violation of the fundamental human rights of journalists.
“The abuse of power and excessive use of force against Mohammed Adamu is very dangerous to our democracy and a major threat to press freedom,” Arogundade said, adding that the trend of harassment and violence against journalists continues to raise serious concerns about their safety across the country.
The IPC warned that persistent intimidation of media practitioners could create a climate of fear, thereby discouraging journalists from effectively carrying out their duties of informing the public and holding authorities accountable.
Consequently, the organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force to take immediate steps to address the situation. It specifically urged the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that all officers found culpable are brought to justice.
Beyond accountability, the IPC also advocated for compensation for the victim, describing the alleged treatment meted out to him as inhumane and unacceptable in a democratic society. It further recommended that the police hierarchy intensify training and sensitisation programmes for officers to promote professionalism, respect for human rights, and improved engagement with the media.
Reiterating the constitutional role of the police, the IPC emphasised that law enforcement agencies are duty-bound to protect all citizens, including journalists, rather than subject them to harassment or violence.
The latest incident adds to a growing list of reported attacks on journalists in Nigeria, reinforcing calls by media rights organisations for urgent reforms to safeguard press freedom and ensure a conducive environment for the practice of journalism.
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