The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into the alleged assault on a journalist working with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
The organisation said the journalist, Musa Mikail, a senior reporter with NTA News, was reportedly attacked on March 13 while covering a Ramadan Iftar event at the palace of the Etsu Nupe in Bida, Niger State.
According to reports, the assault was allegedly carried out by private security personnel acting on the instruction of Shehu Maikano, Chief Security Officer to the state governor, Umar Mohammed Bago.
In a statement, SERAP urged the president to direct the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone involved in ordering or carrying out the attack is held accountable.
The organisation also called for justice and compensation for the journalist if the allegations are proven.
SERAP condemned what it described as persistent attacks on press freedom in Niger State, stressing that journalists play a critical role in informing the public and holding those in power accountable.
Citing legal protections, the group noted that Section 39 of the Constitution of the Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to receive and share information without interference.
It also referenced Section 34 of the Constitution, which protects the dignity of the human person and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment.
SERAP further pointed to Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee freedom of expression and the protection of journalists.
The organisation warned that failure to address attacks on journalists could undermine democratic governance and erode public trust, stressing that public officials have a duty to protect press freedom and uphold the rule of law.
