A journalist with Tambarin Hausa TV in Katsina, Rukayyah Jibia, has claimed that her life is under threat following her arrest and alleged assault by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force. Her arrest came after she criticised the security agency’s act of parading female suspects accused of prostitution before the court trial. Ms Jibia emphasised that such an act is unconstitutional, and it could ruin the reputation of individuals, even if they are later acquitted and discharged from the court. Ms Jibia’s comments lead to the police accusing her of undermining their authority and disrupting their integrity, leading to her arrest and subsequent illegal detention. The journalist added that she is fearful for her life and currently on the run.
However, Gambo Isah, the police spokesperson, denied the allegations, claiming that Ms Jibia was ‘clout chasing.’ He argued that she had maligned the reputation of the police on several occasions, and the force had the right to arrest her for being critical of the police’s efforts to curb crimes in the community.
In a surprising twist, the owners of Tambarin Hausa TV, AMASIS Broadcasting Limited, issued a statement disowning Ms Jibia, stating that she is not a reporter with their media organisation. The company has warned other media organisations, security agencies, and corporate entities to be wary of any dealings with her when contacting the station.
The incident highlights the media’s vulnerability in Nigeria and the need to protect the freedom of press rights enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
