The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has urged Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to find and punish police officers linked to the invasion of JKD TV Hamada Radio Network in Millennium City, Kaduna State.
In a statement signed by its secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, on Monday, IPI Nigeria condemned the presence of heavily armed policemen at the media house. They called the operation a disturbing reminder of the tough times the Nigerian media faced during military rule.
IPI Nigeria stated that police should not get involved in civil issues related to media reports. They encouraged anyone unhappy with a report on television or radio to seek justice in court. The organization also asked Mr. Disu to instruct police units nationwide to avoid using officers to intimidate journalists or the public.
"The Inspector General of Police is urged to issue an advisory to all police formations to steer clear of civil cases and to stop allowing themselves to be used as weapons to terrorise civilians.
"Those who carried out the invasion should also be apprehended and reprimanded for carrying out an illegal duty," the statement said.
According to IPI Nigeria, a group of armed police officers allegedly stormed JKD TV Hamada Radio Network in Millennium City, Kaduna, over a video produced by the station about Ibrahim Masari, the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on political affairs.
The police reportedly claimed they were instructed to arrest journalist Zainab Yabagi, who the Kaduna State Police Command had already declared wanted.
During the operation, the station’s General Manager, Charles Abah, and a security guard were allegedly arrested. IPI Nigeria called the operation illegal and expressed worry over the use of armed police in what they see as a civil matter, stating that such disputes should be handled through the courts.
IPI Nigeria has expressed concern about the invasion of JKD TV Hamada Radio Network by heavily armed police officers. They noted that invading media houses like this brings back memories of the military era when press freedom was severely restricted.
They strongly condemned the invasion and advised the police to stay away from civil matters. Anyone who feels wronged by a media report should take their case to court.
IPI Nigeria had hoped that the appointment of Mr. Tunji Disu as Inspector General of Police would bring more respect for human rights and press freedom. But this latest invasion of a media house in Kaduna has dashed those hopes.
Journalists and media workers across the country are now advised to be ready for a new wave of attacks on press freedom. IPI believes it is not too late for the Inspector General of Police to make things right by identifying and punishing the officer who ordered the invasion of JKD TV.
The Inspector General of Police is urged to issue a directive to all police formations to avoid becoming involved in civil cases and to stop being tools of intimidation against the public.
Those who executed the invasion should also be caught and punished for their illegal actions. For many times now, it has been made clear that police accountability is key to preventing violations of rights. The best way to combat police abuse is to quickly identify and punish officers who break the law.
Reports indicate that armed police unlawfully invaded JKD TV Hamada Radio Network in Millennium City, Kaduna. Both General Manager Charles Abah and a security guard were reportedly arrested during the raid.
The police stated they had orders to arrest journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi over a video about Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs. IPI Nigeria also learned that the Kaduna State Police Command had already labeled Zainab Yabagi as wanted.
IPI Nigeria hopes that due process and constitutional rights will be respected in handling this issue. Finally, IPI Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to ethical and responsible journalism. They encourage all members of the media to recommit to these principles, especially with elections approaching.
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