In a situation underscoring challenges to press freedom, prominent press rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), have expressed strong condemnation regarding the recent assault of Nigerian journalist Muhammad Sani Adamu by local police in Bauchi State. Adamu, who was covering Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, encountered an aggressive confrontation as he tried to identify himself with a press badge. According to reports, police officers physically attacked him, resulting in a head injury (read more).
The CPJ is calling on authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure accountability. The CJID criticized the incident as a significant breach of human rights and emphasized media’s role as a “constitutionally recognized pillar of democracy” that demands a secure operating environment. They have also urged for Adamu’s medical costs to be covered by the police.
A Manifestation of a troubling trend, the Media Rights Organization (MRA) and other media groups are pushing for decisive action from the Bauchi State Police to curtail such alarming attacks. They suggested implementing substantial training focusing on the rights of journalists and enforcing strict consequences for any violations. According to the WikkiTimes Media Foundation, this incident is far from isolated, illustrating an ongoing pattern of violence against journalists in Nigeria.
The situation draws attention to a broader pattern of obstruction and hostility faced by journalists in Nigeria. The CPJ noted that attacks often occur “with general impunity”, a sentiment echoed by the MRA, which previously pursued legal action resulting in a high court ruling that mandates proper investigation and sanction of such attacks.
An official response from a Bauchi police spokesperson indicated plans to investigate the recent incident and make the findings accessible to the public. Despite these assurances, concerns persist about the recurring nature of police aggression against media practitioners in the region. In February 2023, several journalists faced similar hostile encounters while covering Nigerian elections.