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April 09, 2025 – Nigeria –
On April 7, 2025, a peaceful demonstration organized by the ‘Take It Back’ Movement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, escalated into violence when police officers allegedly assaulted journalists covering the event. The protest aimed to oppose the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and 27 state lawmakers.
Journalists from various media outlets, including Channels Television, AIT, Classic FM, and Nigeria Info, reported being targeted by police while performing their duties. Charles Opurum of Channels TV was arrested but later released. Ikeziam Godswill, a cameraman with AIT, recounted being forced to delete footage and having his equipment damaged. He stated, “I was just doing my job when the policemen came… They took my camera and said I should delete everything I have. When I deleted them, they removed the camera battery and smashed it.”
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) condemned the attacks, labeling them as barbaric and unacceptable. They demanded a public apology from the police and threatened legal action if their demands were not met within 14 days.
In response, the Rivers State Police Command expressed regret over the incident. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju apologized to the affected journalists and announced the removal of the Divisional Police Officer responsible for the area where the assaults occurred.
The ‘Take It Back’ Movement’s protest was part of a nationwide demonstration against perceived governmental overreach and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act to suppress dissent. Despite prior notification to the police about the peaceful nature of the protest, participants were met with tear gas and physical aggression.
This incident underscores growing concerns about press freedom and the right to peaceful assembly in Nigeria. It highlights the challenges journalists face in covering events critical of governmental actions and the need for accountability and protection of press rights.
Reference –
https://www.arise.tv/takeitback-police-teargas-protesters-journalists-in-rivers/
