IGP to probe physical assault on Channels TV crew during UniAbuja protest
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Inspector General of Police to investigate the alleged assault on Channels Television crew by security operatives during a protest at the University of Abuja on Tuesday morning.
The TV crew was reportedly covering a protest by professors opposing the vice-chancellor selection process when security operatives allegedly assaulted them, detained them for over an hour, and vandalised their vehicle.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, SERAP condemned the incident, stating:
“The Tinubu administration must immediately instruct the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate the reports that security operatives brutally assaulted Channels TV crew covering a protest at UniAbuja and vandalised their vehicle.”
SERAP called for those responsible to be prosecuted and demanded justice for the journalists, including financial compensation and repair of the damaged vehicle and equipment.
The organisation warned of legal action if the government failed to act.
“We’ll see in court if the recommended measures are not promptly taken,” SERAP stated.
Read also: IGP transfers Katsina police spokesman for harassing female journalist
Emphasising press freedom, the statement read:
“Those responsible for physically attacking journalists and the UniAbuja authorities need to be held to account. The administration needs to make clear that attacks against journalists and media workers will not be tolerated. No journalist should face physical violence for doing their jobs.”
SERAP also highlighted Nigeria’s legal obligations, referencing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and international frameworks like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee freedom of expression and media rights.
The group concluded by urging authorities to end impunity for crimes against journalists and uphold press freedom.
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