A former spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Ahmad Wakili, has come under criticism for allegedly mocking the publisher of WikkiTimes, Haruna Mohammed Salisu, following the assault of a journalist in the state.
The incident comes in the wake of the alleged assault of an Albarka Radio reporter, Mohammed Adamu, by police officers while covering Eid Durbar celebrations in Bununu. Albarka Radio is a media partner of WikkiTimes.
Despite widespread condemnation of the attack by media and civil society organisations, Mr Wakili mocked Mr Salisu in a WhatsApp group conversation after the publisher shared a statement criticising the police over the incident.
According to screenshots seen by WikkiTimes, the former police spokesperson downplayed the concerns raised, making remarks that referenced rising gas prices in the United States, where the publisher is currently based, and broader international issues, which is aimed at trivialising the assault on the journalist.
The situation escalated after Mr Salisu responded to the remarks, with Mr Wakili allegedly blocking him from the platform and restricting other members who are mostly journalists from contributing to the discussion.
In a follow-up reaction, Mr Salisu accused the former police spokesman of making light of a serious incident involving violence against a journalist and silencing dissenting voices on a platform meant for engagement.
He also criticised the Nigeria Union of Journalists, alleging that its perceived inaction in the face of repeated harassment of journalists emboldens such behaviour by security personnel.
Albarka Radio demands sanctions
Meanwhile, the management of Albarka Radio 97.5 FM has condemned what it described as a “vicious, unprovoked, and dehumanising assault” on its reporter, calling for immediate sanctions against the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bununu and officers involved.
In a statement signed by its General Manager, Dauda Mohammed Ciroma, the station described the attack as a grave violation of press freedom and democratic norms, stressing that “to attack a journalist going about his lawful duty is to attack the very soul of democracy.”
The station said it aligns with the position of the NUJ Bauchi State Council and expressed confidence in the union’s efforts to ensure accountability.
While acknowledging a statement by the state Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemning the incident and promising an investigation, the station called for the immediate suspension of the DPO to ensure an impartial process.
Albarka Radio warned that failure to act decisively could be interpreted as institutional endorsement of the assault, insisting that those responsible must face the full weight of the law as a deterrent.
The station also noted that the incident threatens its long-standing relationship with the police command, although it maintained that the actions of the officers involved do not represent the entire force.
The development adds to mounting pressure on authorities to act, as media and civil society organisations, including the NUJ, Media Rights Agenda, West Africa Editors Society and the Peoples Redemption Party, have condemned the assault and demanded accountability.
The WikkiTimes Media Foundation has also initiated legal action, assembling a team of lawyers to seek redress against the Nigeria Police Force and officers implicated in the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Bauchi State Police Command had yet to issue a comprehensive response beyond its initial promise to investigate the matter.
