SERAP seeks justice for assaulted journalist, urges Tinubu to act

n n

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Police Force to urgently investigate the alleged assault on a journalist in Niger State.

n

In a statement dated 24 March 2026 and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the President to order the Inspector General of Police to conduct a prompt, thorough and transparent probe into the reported attack on Mr Musa Mikail, a senior reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority.

n

Mr Mikail was allegedly assaulted on 13 March while covering a Ramadan Iftar event at the palace of the Etsu Nupe in Bida, Niger State. Reports indicate that the attack was carried out by private security personnel allegedly acting on the instruction of Mr Shehu Maikano, Chief Security Officer to Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago.

n

SERAP called on President Tinubu to ensure that the role of Governor Bago in the incident is investigated, stressing that no public official is above the law and that the use of security personnel to intimidate or attack journalists must not be tolerated.

n

The organisation further demanded that any individual found to have ordered, condoned or participated in the assault be held accountable, including through disciplinary measures or prosecution, and that the victim be granted access to justice and adequate compensation.

n

Condemning what it described as persistent attacks on press freedom in Niger State, SERAP said the actions of the state government undermine democratic accountability and the rule of law. It emphasised that journalists play a vital role in informing the public and holding authorities accountable, warning that attempts to silence the media are unlawful.

n

Citing legal provisions, SERAP noted that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to receive and disseminate information without interference, while Section 34 protects the dignity of the human person and freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment.

n

The organisation also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee the right to freedom of expression and require authorities to protect journalists from attacks.

n

SERAP warned that continued impunity for attacks on journalists weakens democracy, erodes public trust and encourages further violations, insisting that accountability in the case is essential to safeguarding press freedom in Nigeria.

n n