The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation into the alleged assault on Mr. Musa Mikail, a senior reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority.
The incident reportedly occurred on March 13, 2026, while the journalist was covering a Ramadan Iftar at the palace of the Etsu Nupe in Bida. According to reports, the attack was allegedly carried out by private security personnel said to be acting on the instruction of Mr. Shehu Maikano, Chief Security Officer to Mohammed Bago.
In a statement, SERAP urged the President to also mandate an investigation into the role of Governor Bago, stressing that no public official is above the law. The organisation called on the Federal Government to send a clear signal that the use of security personnel to intimidate or assault journalists will not be tolerated.
SERAP further demanded that any individual found to have ordered, condoned, or participated in the alleged assault be held accountable through appropriate disciplinary measures or prosecution. It also urged that the victim be granted access to justice, including effective remedies and adequate compensation.
The group expressed concern over what it described as persistent threats to press freedom, rule of law, and democratic accountability in Niger State, urging the state government to halt any actions that undermine the media. It emphasised the critical role journalists play in informing the public and holding authorities accountable.
Citing legal provisions, SERAP noted that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information without interference. It added that Section 34 protects the dignity of the human person and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment, warning that the reported assault, if established, would constitute a violation of these rights.
The organisation also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under international law, including Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee the right to freedom of expression and access to information.
SERAP warned that continued impunity for attacks on journalists undermines democratic governance, erodes public trust, and emboldens further violations. It stressed that accountability in the case is essential not only for justice but also for safeguarding press freedom across Nigeria.
The organisation concluded that in a democratic society governed by the rule of law, public officials have both a legal and moral obligation to protect fundamental rights, rather than deploy state apparatus to suppress the media.
