Abuja, Nigeria — The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) strongly condemns the targeted brutalisation of a journalist with Albarka Radio in Bauchi state, Mohammed Adamu, by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Bununu Divisional Headquarters in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, Mr. Jamilu Kabir and his officers.
According to reports and a harrowing first-hand account of the journalist in a phone conversation with the CJID, Mr. Adamu, who was on official duty to cover the Salah Durbar event, was intercepted by a police constable at the Local Government Secretariat while trying to access the event venue and Despite identifying himself as a member of the press and presenting his professional identity card, he was met with inexplicable and unwarranted hostility.
The situation escalated when the DPO, identified as Jamilu Kabir, personally approached the journalist and rather than ensuring his safety, the DPO initiated the assault by pushing the journalist and ordering his men to “deal” with him. Consequently, approximately ten police officers physically assaulted him, using sticks to beat him until he sustained a severe head injury that left him covered in blood.
Adding to this gross violation of human rights and professional dignity, the DPO’s subsequently made a mockery of the journalist’s health and personal safety after his colleagues intervened, by directing an officer to take the bleeding journalist to the hospital, only for the police to abandon him there. The journalist was then forced to personally settle his medical bills while the accompanying officer refused to answer further calls.
This rather disheartening development represents a barbaric reminder of an era of impunity that has no place in a democratic society. The press is a constitutionally recognised pillar of our democracy and can only function optimally in a safe environment.
When security agents who swore to uphold the law and are paid to ensure the safety of life and property of the people become the primary violators of the law itself, the safety of every citizen becomes a matter of deep concern. A situation where a DPO leads a mob of officers to beat a properly identified journalist is not only a professional misconduct of disappointing magnitude, it is also a well-coordinated criminal act.
While the CJID notes the claims by the Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) that an investigation has commenced, as explained by the journalist, we are deeply concerned by the lack of transparency in this process. As of press time, the journalist has not been formally invited to give a statement, while the perpetrators remain in their positions.
Meanwhile, the CJID made several efforts to get a response from the DPO, Mr. Jamilu Kabir and the police P.R.O in Bauchi state, Mr. Habib Nafiu, through phone calls and several text messages, but received no response.
We hereby urge the Inspector General of police, Mr. Tunji Disu, to ensure the immediate suspension of the DPO Jamilu Kabir and all officers involved in the assault to prevent them from interfering with the investigation.
We also demand a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation that formally includes the victim’s testimony and leads to the appropriate sanction for every officer found wanting.
Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of Mr Disu must take full responsibility for the medical expenses incurred by the journalist and offer a public apology for this unprovoked attack.
Lastly, we urge the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to henceforth ensure a free and safe working environment for journalists in the state rather than endanger them when carrying out their constitutional duty.
Signed:
Busola Ajibola,
Deputy Director, Journalism Program,
Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID)
March 24, 2026
