Bauchi Radio Seeks Suspension of DPO Over Alleged Assault On Reporter
The management of Albarka Radio 97.5 FM has called for the suspension of the Divisional Police Officer of Bununu Division, SP Jamilu Kabir, over the alleged assault on one of its reporters during the Sallah celebration in Bauchi State.
The station said the officer should face maximum sanctions if found culpable.
The demand followed an incident on Sunday in Bununu, Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, where the reporter was allegedly brutalised by the DPO and his team while trying to gain access to the Sallah Durbar ground.
The incident has attracted condemnation from media and civil society groups, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the West Africa Editors Society, both of which called for an investigation and appropriate disciplinary action.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the General Manager of Albarka Radio, Dauda Ciroma, described the attack as a “vicious, unprovoked and dehumanising assault” on a staff member.
He said, “This act of high-handedness, overzealousness and sheer irresponsibility disguised as policing is not only condemnable but has no place in any civilised society.
“To attack a journalist carrying out his lawful duty is to attack the very soul of democracy and a violation of press freedom as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Ciroma said the station aligned with the position of the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and expressed confidence in the union’s leadership to pursue justice.
He also thanked individuals and organisations that had shown solidarity, saying their support strengthened calls for a thorough investigation and swift action against those involved.
Albarka Radio acknowledged the statement by the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who condemned the incident and ordered an investigation.
However, the station urged the police authorities to suspend the DPO pending the outcome of the probe to ensure transparency and prevent interference.
It warned that failure to act decisively could be seen as endorsement of the alleged misconduct.
“It is imperative to state that the cordial relationship between Albarka Radio and the Bauchi State Police Command is being tested by the reckless actions of the erring DPO and his men.
“While we acknowledge that their conduct does not represent the entire police force, we insist that the full weight of the law must be applied as a deterrent,” the statement added.
Responding, the Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, said the Commissioner of Police had condemned the incident and ordered an investigation into the alleged involvement of the officers.
He said the commissioner was dissatisfied with the development, stressing that police personnel are deployed to protect lives and property, not to assault civilians.
“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 will be applied to anyone found wanting,” he said.
The police command also said an investigative and disciplinary team had been constituted to handle the matter in line with extant laws.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
