The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned the alleged police brutality against Mohammed Adamu, a journalist with Albarka Radio, during the Eid Durbar celebrations held over the weekend in Bununu, headquarters of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The condemnation was issued through Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer which described the incident as unwarranted and unacceptable.
According to information gathered by the IPC-SPJ Hub, Mohammed Adamu was reportedly subjected to physical and verbal assault by police officers while carrying out his professional duties alongside other journalists and an information officer covering the event.
Narrating his experience, Adamu said he was heading to the designated area for journalists when a police constable stopped him.
“We were at Bununu district for the Eid durbar celebration with the Information Officer and other media professionals. As I approached the area assigned for journalists, a police constable stopped me,” he said.
He further alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area, SP Jamilu Kabir, ordered him to leave the venue despite identifying himself as a journalist.
“I tried to identify myself, but he started insulting me. Even after I explained that I am a reporter, he began beating me. Other officers joined in assaulting me, and I was repeatedly brutalised,” Adamu added.
Reacting to the incident, IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, described the alleged abuse of power and excessive use of force as a serious threat to press freedom and democracy.
“The abuse of power and excessive use of force against Mohammed Adamu is dangerous to our democracy and a major threat to press freedom. Such actions also violate the fundamental human rights of the journalist,” Arogundade said.
The IPC noted that the incident raises growing concerns about the safety of journalists in Nigeria and called on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a safer working environment for media practitioners.
The organisation also urged the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In addition, IPC called for adequate compensation for the victim and emphasized the need for improved training of police officers to promote professionalism, respect for citizens’ rights, and adherence to their duty of protecting all individuals, including journalists.
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