The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub frowns at, and totally condemns police brutality against Mohammed Adamu, a journalist with the Albarka Radio – a media partner to Wikki Times, while covering Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, the headquarters of Tafawa Balewa LGA over the weekend
This was contained in a statement signed by Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC issued to newsmen.
It said information on the unwarranted brutality collated by the IPC-SPJ Hub, describes the inhumane treatment of the Police, who physically and verbally assaulted Mohammed Adamu, while he was in the company of other media professionals and an information officer to cover the festivities.
“We were at Bununu district for Eid durbar celebration with the Information Officer and other media professionals. As I was heading to the place designated for journalists, a police constable stopped me,” Mohammed Adamu said.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Jamilu Kabir, of the area subsequently ordered him to leave the venue.
“I tried to identify myself as a journalist, 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,” he added.The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said,
“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. Such acts of brutality also violate the fundamental human rights of the journalist”.
This unfortunate incident raises more concerns about the safety of journalists in the country.
We urge the men of the Nigerian Police Force to desist from creating an environment where journalists will be afraid to work and discharge their duties effectively and efficiently.IPC-SPJ Hub therefore calls on Sani – Omolori Aliyu, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State to investigate and get to the root of the incident.
The Police should take adequate and swift measures to bring to book those who assaulted the journalist while putting in place machinery to compensate Mohammed Adamu for this inhumane treatment.We also call on the Nigeria Police to step up the training of its officers to be more respectful and courteous while discharging their duties.
They should be reminded constantly that the primary responsibility of the Police is the protection of citizens, including journalists and every other civilian.
