The management of Albarka Radio 97.5 FM has called on the Bauchi State Police Command to suspend the Divisional Police Officer of Bununu Division, SP Jamilu Kabir, over the alleged assault on one of its reporters during the Sallah celebration.
The station also urged the authorities to impose appropriate sanctions on the officer if found guilty.
The demand follows an incident on Sunday in Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, where the reporter was reportedly attacked by the DPO and his team while attempting to gain access to the Sallah Durbar ground.
The development has sparked widespread reactions from media and civil society groups, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the West Africa Editors Society, both of which called for a thorough investigation and accountability.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the General Manager of the station, Dauda Ciroma, described the incident as a “vicious, unprovoked and dehumanising assault” on its staff.
He said, “This act of high-handedness and overzealousness disguised as policing is condemnable and has no place in any civilised society.
“To attack a journalist carrying out his lawful duty is to attack the very foundation of democracy and a violation of press freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Ciroma noted that the station supports the position of the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and expressed confidence in the union’s efforts to ensure justice is served.
He also appreciated individuals and organisations that had shown solidarity, noting that their support strengthens the call for a transparent investigation and disciplinary action against those involved.
While acknowledging the statement by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who condemned the incident and ordered a probe, the station insisted that the DPO be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation to ensure fairness and prevent interference.
Albarka Radio warned that failure to take decisive action could be seen as condoning the alleged misconduct, stressing that such a stance would be strongly opposed.
“It is important to note that while we maintain a cordial relationship with the Bauchi State Police Command, the actions of the officer involved have put that relationship under strain.
“We recognise that the conduct does not reflect the entire police force, but we insist that the law must take its full course as a deterrent,” the statement added.
Reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nafiu Abubakar, said the Commissioner of Police had expressed displeasure over the development and ordered a full investigation.
He stated that the police leadership views the incident as unacceptable, emphasising that officers are tasked with protecting citizens, not harming them.
“I see this incident as an affront to journalists in Nigeria, with whom we have maintained a long-standing relationship. We will thoroughly investigate the matter, and anyone found culpable will face appropriate sanctions,” he said.
The police command also assured that a disciplinary and investigative team had been set up to handle the case in accordance with established laws.
