MRA Welcomes Police Probe into Assault on Journalist, Urges Nigeria Police to Adopt Proactive Measures on Journalists’ Rights Protection
Media Rights Agenda welcomed the decision by the Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to investigate the alleged assault on Albarka Radio journalist, Mohammed Adamu, while urging the Nigeria Police Force at both federal and state levels to adopt proactive measures, including training officers on journalists’ rights and issuing clear operational guidelines for engaging with the media.
The organisation made its position known in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, following the Commissioner’s condemnation of the incident and his pledge to sanction any officer found culpable in the attack, which occurred last Saturday.
The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Nafiu Habib, had disclosed that the Commissioner met with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the General Manager of Albarka Radio, and family members of the victim, where he assured them of a thorough investigation.
Reacting to the development, MRA described the Commissioner’s swift response as a positive step towards ensuring accountability within the Police Force.
“We consider the Commissioner’s swift reaction and his decision to constitute an investigative and disciplinary team as a positive step toward accountability,” said the organisation’s Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale.
He noted that the Commissioner’s acknowledgment that police officers are deployed to protect citizens, and not to assault them, reinforces the principle of media freedom and the safety of journalists.
“Such statements are important in reinforcing the principle that journalists must be free to carry out their professional duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, or violence,” Adewale added.
However, the organisation expressed concern that similar assurances in the past have not always translated into concrete action, as cases of harassment, unlawful arrest, and intimidation of journalists by security agencies continue to occur across the country.
MRA therefore called on the Bauchi State Police Command to go beyond mere condemnation by ensuring a transparent investigation, identifying all officers involved, and applying appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
The organisation further recommended the suspension of Police Superintendent Jamilu Kabir, the Divisional Police Officer alleged to have led the assault, noting that such action would help ensure the integrity of the investigation.
“The continued stay of Police Superintendent Jamilu in office gives the unfortunate impression that whatever investigation may be going on is not a serious one,” Adewale stated.
He warned that allowing the officer to remain in office could undermine public confidence and potentially compromise the outcome of the investigation.
MRA also urged the Nigeria Police Force to take concrete steps to prevent future occurrences by strengthening internal accountability systems, improving officer training on the rights and constitutional duties of journalists, and enforcing strict disciplinary measures against erring personnel.
Pulse Time Nigeria reports that, holding those responsible accountable will send a clear message that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated and will help rebuild public trust .
MRA reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor the situation and expressed hope that the outcome of the investigation will be made public within a reasonable timeframe.