By Oge Okonkwo
The International Press Institute Nigeria has called for
disciplinary action against police officers accused of invading a television
and radio station in Kaduna, saying the incident raises fresh concerns about
press freedom.
IPI Nigeria said heavily armed policemen entered JKD TV
Hamada Radio Network in Millennium City, Kaduna, over a media report involving
a presidential adviser.
The organisation condemned the operation as an unacceptable
use of police power in what it considers a civil dispute, warning that such
actions could intimidate journalists and undermine media freedom.
According to IPI Nigeria, the police said they were acting
on instructions to arrest journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi, whom the Kaduna
State Police Command had previously declared wanted.
The dispute reportedly followed a video explainer produced
by JKD Radio and Television concerning Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Special Adviser to
President Bola Tinubu on Political Affairs.
During the reported operation, the station’s General Manager,
Charles Abah, and a security guard were allegedly arrested by the police.
IPI Nigeria said the use of armed officers to enter a media
organisation was deeply troubling, particularly because complaints about
reports broadcast by television or radio stations should normally be addressed
through the courts.
The institute said the incident brought back memories of the
treatment of Nigerian journalists during the military era, when media
organisations were frequently subjected to intimidation and suppression.
It also urged Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to
establish who ordered the operation and ensure that officers found responsible
are identified and appropriately sanctioned.
IPI Nigeria said accountability was essential if the police
were to prevent similar incidents and protect the rights of journalists and
other members of the public.
The organisation also asked Mr Disu to issue clear
instructions to police formations nationwide, directing officers to stay out of
civil disputes and reject attempts to use them to intimidate civilians.
IPI Nigeria said anyone dissatisfied with a television or
radio report should seek legal redress rather than resorting to police
intervention in matters that belong before the courts.
The organisation said it had initially hoped Mr Disu’s
appointment as Inspector-General would mark a new period of greater respect for
human rights and freedom of the press.
However, it said the Kaduna incident had weakened that
expectation and should serve as a warning to journalists and media
organisations about the need to remain alert.
IPI Nigeria nevertheless said there was still an opportunity
for the police leadership to restore confidence by investigating the reported
invasion and holding any officers responsible to account.
It stressed that prompt punishment for unlawful conduct was
necessary to discourage future abuses and ensure that police officers
understood that violations of citizens’ rights would have consequences.
The institute also expressed confidence that due process and
constitutionally protected rights would be respected in any further action
involving Yabagi and the allegations surrounding the station’s broadcast.
With Nigeria approaching another election period, IPI
Nigeria urged journalists and media practitioners to remain committed to
ethical, responsible and professional journalism.
The institute said it would continue to defend responsible
media practice while urging its members and colleagues across the country to
uphold professional standards and remain committed to press freedom.
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