Albarka Radio 97.5 FM has called on the Bauchi State Police Command to suspend SP Jamilu Kabir, the Divisional Police Officer of Bununu Division, following reports that he allegedly assaulted one of the station’s reporters during the Sallah celebrations.
The station also urged that the officer face strict disciplinary action if found guilty.
DAILY POST reports that the incident reportedly occurred on Sunday when the reporter attempted to access the Sallah Durbar ground in Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, and was allegedly attacked by the DPO and his team.
Despite presenting his press ID and identifying himself as a journalist, he was met with unwarranted hostility.
The situation escalated when DPO Kabir personally confronted Adamu, ordering his men to “deal” with him. About 10 officers reportedly assaulted the journalist with sticks, leaving him with severe head injuries and covered in blood.
When colleagues intervened, the DPO allegedly instructed an officer to take the injured reporter to a hospital but abandoned him there, forcing him to pay for medical treatment himself.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from media and civil society groups, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the West Africa Editors Society, all calling for a thorough investigation.
In a statement, Albarka Radio General Manager Dauda Ciroma described the assault as “vicious, unprovoked, and dehumanising,” adding that “attacking a journalist carrying out lawful duties is an assault on democracy and press freedom.”
The station called for the immediate suspension of DPO Kabir pending investigation, warning that inaction could be interpreted as tacit approval of the alleged misconduct.
Similarly, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) condemned the attack, describing it as a disturbing reminder of impunity that has no place in a democratic society.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Journalism Program, CJID, Busola Ajibola said press freedom can only function in a safe environment, and when security agents violate the law they are sworn to uphold, the safety of all citizens is compromised.
They also called for a prompt, transparent inquiry including the victim’s testimony, and for the Nigeria Police Force to cover the journalist’s medical expenses and issue a public apology.
Finally, CJID appealed to the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to guarantee a safe and free working environment for journalists in the state.
Confirming the development, spokesman of the command, Nafiu Abubakar, said the Commissioner of Police has directed a full investigation.
He stressed that police officers are deployed to safeguard the public, not harm them, assuring that any officer found culpable would face appropriate sanctions.
He added that an investigation has been launched to address the matter.
Bauchi radio demands DPO’s suspension over reporter assault
