Nigerian police beat journalist Muhammad Sani Adamu during Eid celebrations

Abuja, March 27, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Nigerian authorities to swiftly and transparently conclude investigations into the beating by police officers on Sunday of journalist Muhammad Sani Adamu, and hold those responsible to account. The attack occurred as Adamu sought to cover Eid celebrations in the town of Bununu in northeastern Bauchi state.

“Nigerian authorities must ensure their investigation into the beating of journalist Muhammad Sani Adamu is concluded without delay and in a manner that makes clear that attacks on the press will not be tolerated in Bauchi State,” said CPJ Africa Director Angela Quintal. “This incident adds to a list of abuses against journalists working to report the news in Bauchi state and extends a broader pattern of attacks on the media across Nigeria, which take place with general impunity.”

At least 10 policemen, some of whom were armed with sticks, beat Adamu, a reporter with privately owned Albarka Radio, according to Adamu, as well as Auwal Ibrahim Gital, Albarka Radio’s head of translations, and Uzairu Dauda Bunga, a producer with the Bauchi Radio Corporation, who both witnessed the attack and spoke with CPJ. A senior officer they identified as Jamilu Kabir blocked Adamu from covering the celebration and then he and other officers attacked the journalist, Adamu and the two other witnesses said.

Adamu told CPJ that he tried to show his press ID and identify himself as a journalist, but two officers, including Kabir, insulted and pushed him. Other officers then joined in, flogging Adamu with sticks, cutting his head and causing him to bleed profusely.

Adamu said on March 23 that he continued to feel pain and was receiving treatment for his head wound.

The attack has drawn condemnation from local media and press freedom groups. The  WikkiTimes Media Foundation, the media development arm of the local WikkiTimes news platform, said it was pursuing legal action against the officers involved. “This is not an isolated incident. It reflects a recurring pattern of police violence against journalists in Bauchi State,” a WikkiTimes statement said.

CPJ has documented various attacks on the press in Bauchi state, including criminal proceedings, threats, and arrests of journalists in connection to their work. 

Bauchi state police spokesperson Nafiu Habib told CPJ via phone on March 25 that police were prioritizing a comprehensive investigation and that they would publicize the results, but declined to give further details or a target date for the investigation’s conclusion. 

Contacted by CPJ, Kabir declined to comment and referred CPJ to the state police spokesperson.