(Accra, Ghana, March 23, 2026) - The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) unreservedly condemn the unprovoked assault on Nigerian journalist Mohammed Adamu by the Bauchi State police in Nigeria.
WAES is dismayed at the conduct of the police officers in Bauchi who assaulted the journalist - who works for Albarka Radio in Bauchi State. The conduct of the police officers is unprofessional, unacceptable and condemnable by all right-thinking persons in the society.
Information available to WAES says the police officers assaulted him, resulting in injuries to the journalist while Adamu was covering Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, the headquarters of Tafawa Balewa LGA.
The incident reportedly occurred in Tafawa Balewa over the weekend, raising fresh concerns about the safety of journalists and press freedom in the state.
Adamu said he was in the company of other media professionals and an information officer to cover the festivities when he was stopped by a police constable while heading to the designated media area.
“We were at Bununu district for Eid durbar celebration with the Information Officer and other media professionals. As I was heading to the place designated for journalists, a police constable stopped me,” he said.
Adamu alleged that the assault was led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Jamilu Kabir, who for no reason or reasons had ordered him to leave the venue.
According to Adamu, when he tried to identify himself as a journalist, the officer started hurling insults at him.
“Even as I told him I am a reporter, he began beating me. Other officers whom I knew joined in assaulting me. Many others kept beating and brutalising me,” he added.
Adamu alleged that the assault was led by the DPO, SP Jamilu Kabir, who he said prevented him from carrying out his assignment despite proper identification.
Adamu has since been seen and treated in a hospital, and has returned home.
The Bauchi police spokesperson, SP Nafi’u Habib, has told the media the police has been informed of the incident and will investigate and take necessary action.
Police officers are under oath to protect life and property and to keep the peace, it is therefore troubling that police officers would be the ones violating journalists doing their job.
We are calling on State authorities of Bauchi to act with dispatch, investigate this grave matter, and if any officers are found culpable, they should be duly made to face the law.
Police officers and all state security officers should be mindful of the important role journalists play in the society. They do important work of gathering news and informing the public. They are to be protected and supported to do their job, which is in the public interest.
For WAES
Emmanuel K. Dogbevi, Interim President