The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, strongly condemns the police brutality against Mohammed Adamu, a journalist with Albarka Radio, while covering Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, Bauchi State.
According to reports, Adamu was physically and verbally assaulted by police officers, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Jamilu Kabir, despite identifying himself as a journalist.
The IPC-SPJ Hub views this incident as a threat to press freedom and a violation of the journalist’s fundamental human rights.
IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, calls for an investigation into the incident and urges the Bauchi State Police Commissioner to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. The organization also demands compensation for Adamu’s inhumane treatment.
The IPC-SPJ Hub emphasizes the need for the Nigerian Police Force to respect journalists’ rights and provide a safe environment for them to work.
“We urge the police to step up training on respectful conduct and remind them of their primary responsibility to protect citizens, including journalists”.
