IPI Nigeria asks IGP to sanction officers who invaded Kaduna TV station

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute-IPI Nigeria has expressed concerns over reports of invasion of JKD TV Hamada Radio Network Millennium City Kaduna by a contingent of heavily armed police.

In a statement jointly signed by its Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, the Institute condemned the act, describing it as a reminder of what the media suffered during the military era.

It advised the police to stop meddling in civil cases, saying anyone who is aggrieved by a report aired on television or radio stations should approach the court and seek redress.

• You Can’t Be Normal – Sharon Ooja Reveals Struggle Playing Bipolar Character
• Police Arrest Man Over Alleged Killing Of Girlfriend In Kaduna

The IPI expressed concerns over violations of human rights and press freedom under the leadership of the new Inspector General of Police Tunji Rilwan Disu, asking the top cop to ensure that the police officer who ordered the invasion of the media outlet is identified and punished for his action.

“IPI Nigeria National Committee had hoped that the appointment of Mr Tunji Disu as Inspector General of Police 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.

“Journalists and practitioners in the Media across the country are therefore advised to prepare and wake up to a new wave of suppression of press freedom.

“IPI believes that it is not too late for the Inspector General of Police to redeem himself by ensuring that the police officer who ordered the invasion of JKD TV Hamada Radio Network Millennium City Kaduna is identified and punished for ordering an illegal operation.

“The Inspector General of Police is urged to issue an advisory to all police formations to steer clear of civil cases and to stop allowing themselves to be used as weapons to terrorise civilians.

“Those who carried out the invasion should also be apprehended and reprimanded for carrying out an illegal duty.”

The Institute described lack of accountability as a key factor responsible for the repeated violations of people’s rights.

It urged authorities to ensure that due diligence and constitutionally enshrined rights were followed in all processes regarding this matter.

“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 strongest weapon against reckless violation of people’s rights and media freedom by police officers is prompt identification and punishment of erring officers.

“According to reports, a contingent of armed police men unlawfully invaded JKD TV Hamada Radio Network Millennium City Kaduna.

“Both the General Manager, Charles Abah and a security guard were allegedly arbitrarily arrested during the raid.

“The Police said that they had instructions to arrest journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi, regarding a video explainer produced by JKD Radio & Television on Mr. Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs.

“IPI Nigeria also learnt that the Kaduna state police command had already declared Zainab Yabagi wanted.

“It is our firm hope that due diligence and constitutionally enshrined rights would be followed in all processes regarding this matter.”

While restating its commitment to ethical, responsible and professional Journalism and media practice, the IPI Nigeria called on its members and colleagues to recommit to themselves to the principles of the profession, especially amid the election season.