Bauchi police condemn assault on journalist, vow sanctions for erring officers

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has condemned the assault on a journalist from Albarka Radio, a private station in the state, and pledged a thorough investigation into the involvement of any police officers.

This was made known in a statement signed by SP Nafiu Habib, the Police Public Relations Officer.

CP Aliyu made the remarks on Monday during a meeting in his office with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel, the general manager of Albarka Radio, and the journalist’s relatives.

He expressed deep dissatisfaction with the incident, stressing that police are tasked with protecting civilians, not attacking them.

“I see this incident as an affront to Nigerian journalists, with whom we have built a mutual relationship over the years. We will investigate the matter, and appropriate sanctions and consequences will follow anyone found wanting,” the CP stated.

He further emphasised the need for restraint among officers, calling it “a teaching moment for officers and men of the force.”

Aliyu also affirmed that police and journalists must jointly uphold Nigerians’ human rights.

The PPRO claimed to have briefed him on the matter earlier that day.

The commissioner has already set up an investigative-disciplinary team to probe the assault and promised action in line with the law.