Police investigate assault on Bauchi journalist by policemen
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
The Bauchi State police command has constituted an investigative-disciplinary panel to investigate assault on a journalist working with Albarka FM Radio in Bauchi, Mohammed Adamu, by some police officers to ensure proper action according to the extant law.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Sani-Omolori Aliyu, said this when he met with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the General Manager of Albarka Radio, and the relatives of the journalist in his office.
Aliyu also frowned at the assault on the Journalist, pledging to probe the alleged involvement of the erring police officers who allegedly brutalized the reporter while on duty.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the incident, emphasizing that police personnel were deployed to protect lives and property of all people in their areas of responsibility, not to get involved in attacks on 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 and consequences will follow anyone found wanting.
“We will ensure that Police and Journalists protect the human rights of every Nigerian. The PPRO briefed me about the incident earlier on today.
“A police officer is expected to exercise utmost restraint in the face of provocation. This definitely is a teaching moment for officers and men of the force,” he said.
Responding, the state NUJ Chairman, Comrade Umar Saidu, commended the steps taken by the Police in handling the situation, saying that it was the best way to handle such cases.