The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to immediately stop the alleged harassment and intimidation of journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi. On September 11, 2026, heavily armed police officers stormed the studios of JKD Radio/Television in Kaduna, initially claiming they were searching for Yabagi in connection with a “stolen phone.” The operation took a different turn, with the station’s General Manager, Charles Abah, and a security personnel arrested and detained for over seven hours.
According to HURIWA, Yabagi was being sought in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, defamation, cyberstalking, and bullying linked to Ibrahim Masari, a Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The police action has raised concerns about the use of police powers in disputes arising from journalistic reports and commentary. HURIWA expressed worry that the growing use of criminal complaints, police invitations, arrests, and searches over professional activities could undermine Nigeria’s civic space and democratic accountability.
HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, stated that if Masari believed he had been defamed by the broadcast, he should seek redress through the courts rather than deploy the coercive machinery of the state. The organisation argued that journalists were not above the law, but questioned the use of armed police personnel to raid a media organisation, arrest its workers, and declare a journalist wanted over a matter that could be subjected to judicial scrutiny.
The group invoked Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which places a responsibility on the press, radio, television, and other mass media to hold government accountable and ensure that government remains responsible to the people. HURIWA stressed that journalists could not effectively perform that constitutional role if they operated under the constant threat of arrest whenever a public official was displeased with a report, commentary, or video explainer.
HURIWA also expressed concern about the reported involvement of a presidential aide in the alleged harassment of Yabagi, stressing that holding a political appointment should not confer immunity from criticism or provide access to state machinery for settling personal grievances. The organisation urged the IGP to review the circumstances surrounding the Kaduna police operation and ensure that the police did not become an instrument of self-help in what could be a dispute over alleged defamation.
The Federal Government has been called upon to protect journalists, broadcasters, and media organisations from arbitrary arrest, intimidation, and reprisals. HURIWA warned that the alleged harassment of Yabagi and JKD Radio/Television could undermine Nigeria’s civic space and democratic accountability. The organisation demanded an end to the alleged harassment of Yabagi and JKD Radio/Television, insisting that anyone who believes they have been defamed should pursue the remedies provided by law.
HURIWA cautioned against the abuse of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act to criminalise disputes that may essentially concern alleged defamation. The organisation noted that where credible evidence of a criminal offence existed, the appropriate legal process should be followed. The group urged the IGP to direct the Kaduna State Police Command to immediately halt any further harassment, intimidation, or arbitrary pursuit of Yabagi and other employees of JKD Radio/Television over the disputed broadcast.
Key points
- HURIWA demands end to alleged harassment of journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi.
- Police stormed JKD Radio/Television studios in Kaduna over video explainer.
- HURIWA urges IGP to review Kaduna police operation and protect journalists.
