THE International Press Institute, IPI Nigeria, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to sanction police officers allegedly involved in the invasion of JKD TV/Hamada Radio Network in Millennium City, Kaduna.
IPI, in a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, and signed by its Secretary, Ahmed Shekarawu, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, condemned the alleged invasion of the media organisation by armed policemen, describing it as a reminder of the suppression of the media during the military era.
The organisation also appealed to Disu to identify and punish the officer who allegedly ordered and implemented the operation.
According to IPI, the police allegedly stormed the station over a complaint concerning a video explainer produced by JKD Radio and Television about Ibrahim Masari, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs.
It said the General Manager of the station, Charles Abah, and a security guard were allegedly arrested during the raid.
IPI also said it learnt that the Kaduna State Police Command had declared journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi wanted in connection with the matter.
“Invading media houses in gestapo style is a stark reminder of what the media suffered during the military era,” the organisation said.
IPI urged the police to stop meddling in civil cases, saying anyone aggrieved by a report aired by a television or radio station should approach the court for redress.
The organisation said it had hoped that Disu’s appointment as Inspector-General would usher in a new era of respect for human rights and press freedom.
“However, this latest invasion of a media house in Kaduna has shown that it is a forlorn hope,” IPI said.
It further urged the IG to issue an advisory to police formations to steer clear of civil cases and stop allowing themselves to be used as weapons to terrorise civilians.
“For the umpteenth time, it bears repeating to say that a lack of accountability is the reason police men continue to trample on people’s rights,” the organisation said.
IPI said prompt identification and punishment of erring officers remained necessary to curb violations of citizens’ rights and media freedom.
Police deny invasion, arrest
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has denied invading JKD TV/Hamada Radio Network or arresting any of its staff.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, described the allegation as false and misleading, saying it was intended to create public pressure and divert attention from an ongoing investigation.
Hassan, in a statement on Sunday, said Abah was invited by the police over a complaint relating to a matter under investigation.
He said the General Manager honoured the invitation and was subsequently allowed to leave, adding that the station’s security guard was also not detained.
The PPRO expressed concern that the allegation was published without verification from the command.
He also criticised a follow-up report which, according to him, repeated the claim 48 hours later that the individuals remained in detention.
Hassan said the matter remained under investigation and that appropriate legal action would follow if culpability was established.
The command urged members of the public to disregard the publication and rely on verified information from it.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M