The management of JKD Television/Hamada Radio Network, Kaduna, has alleged that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force invaded its premises and arrested the station’s General Manager, Charles Abah, and a security guard.
The management made the allegation in a public announcement issued on Friday, saying the two men were being detained at the Kaduna State Police Command.
According to the statement, the policemen visited the station in search of a staff member, Zainab Salihu Yabagi, over a video explainer produced by the station concerning Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs.
The management said, “The policemen entered the premises of our station, insisting they wanted to see one of our staff, Zainab Salihu Yabagi, regarding a video explainer produced by JKD on Ibrahim Kabir Masari.”
It added that Yabagi was responsible for presenting the video.
The station described the arrests as unacceptable and called for the immediate release of the General Manager and the security guard.
Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the alleged raid, describing it as an “unlawful and outrageous invasion” of the station’s premises.
The organisation said in a statement that “both the General Manager Charles Abah and a security guard were arbitrarily arrested during the raid.”
It further alleged that the police had instructions to arrest Yabagi over the video and that the Kaduna State Police Command had previously declared her wanted.
“Attacking JKD Radio/Television is part of a wider pattern of attempts to create climate of fear across newsrooms in Nigeria and to make it harder for journalists to do their job,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation added that no government official, regardless of status, should be above public scrutiny and criticism.
“No government official — no matter his status — is above scrutiny and criticism in the interest of the public. An attack on the media is an attack on freedom,” it said.
JKD TV/Hamada Radio Network is chaired by Yusuf Mamman, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and former spokesman for ex-military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
