On March 20, 2026, Mr Mohammed Adamu, a reporter with Albarka Radio, was brutally assaulted by Bauchi police officers while covering Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu, headquarters of the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
According to media reports, Adamu, who was at the event alongside other media professionals and a government information officer, said the incident occurred as he attempted to access the designated media area to carry out his assignment. According to him, he was stopped by a police constable and subsequently confronted by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area, SP Jamilu Kabir.
He alleged that despite identifying himself as a journalist, the DPO ordered him to leave the venue and began to abuse him. The situation escalated when he insisted on his right to cover the public event.
“I tried to identify myself as a journalist, but he started hurling insults at me. Even as I told him I am a reporter, he began beating me. Other officers joined in, hitting me with sticks and raining blows on me,” Adamu said.
He further alleged that the DPO led the assault, with several other officers participating in the attack, leaving him severely injured. Adamu said he was later taken to a hospital for treatment and has since returned home.
The journalist described the incident as part of a recurring pattern of harassment against media practitioners in Bauchi State, citing previous cases involving journalists who were allegedly assaulted while on duty.
“This is not the first time police in Bauchi are molesting journalists. This keeps happening, and it is unacceptable. I want justice. The police are supposed to protect us, not brutalise us,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Nafi’u Habib, confirmed that the Command had been informed of the incident and stated that an investigation would be conducted, and that appropriate action would be taken.
