Mr Zaiyad Ismaila, the Chief Executive Officer of Zij Online TV operating from Adamawa State in June 2026, alleged that he had been physically assaulted and received death threat over the content of a political programme aired on his media platform.
According to media reports, Mr Ismaila disclosed that he had hosted a political programme called Hanjin Jimina on his TV platform during which Alhaji Umaru Nana, a politician based in Jimeta, expressed dissatisfaction with the performance and empowerment initiatives of Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District. Alhaji Nana also accused the senator of not delivering sufficient dividends of democracy to his constituents and urged voters to consider alternative candidates in future elections.
The Zij Online TV CEO said, during the programme, Mr Abdulmumini publicly challenged the claims made during the interview. He said, however, that the same Mr Mumini later confronted him in person.
Recounting the incident, Mr Ismaila said Mr Abdulmumini confronted him when he stopped at a food spot along Barrack Road near the Adamawa State House of Assembly, on his way to Girei for another media engagement. He said Mr Abdulmumini threatened to take legal action against both Umaru Nana and himself over the content of the programme. He said he asked Mr Abdulmumini to go ahead if he wanted to seek legal redress.
Mr Ismaila said the exchange soon became tense, with Kabawa allegedly insulting him and boasting of connections to influential individuals. He said Mr Abdulmumini boasted that he knew powerful people and that even if he killed the journalist, nothing would happen and continued insulting and threatening him.
The journalist disclosed that the confrontation turned violent after he responded to the insults, whereupon Mr Abdulmumini “… punched me near my neck and ear area, grabbed my neck, and I fell to the ground.”
Mr Ismaila said he has sued Mr Abdulmumini and also reported the matter through the appropriate channels.
The journalist said the development has heightened his fears and reinforced concerns about his personal safety. According to him, “I am currently living under threats and fear. I cannot freely carry out my duties as a journalist without constantly worrying about my security.”
