The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what it describes as a pattern of actions by Mohammed Umar Bago that threaten press freedom, warning that such conduct undermines journalists’ ability to perform their constitutional duties within Niger State. The appeal was made in a formal statement issued by the institute’s Nigerian chapter, highlighting growing concerns about the safety and independence of the media.

In the statement jointly signed by Fidelis Mbah and Tobi Soniyi, Deputy President and Legal Adviser respectively, IPI Nigeria said recent actions linked to the Niger State governor and his aides have directly infringed on press freedom. The organisation cited the assault on a reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as the latest example of hostility toward journalists, stressing that such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent and troubling.

The journalist at the centre of the latest controversy, Musa Mikail, was reportedly attacked while covering a Ramadan Iftar event held at the palace of the Etsu Nupe in Bida on March 13, 2026. According to accounts, private security personnel allegedly acting on the directive of Shehu Abdullahi Maikano, the Chief Security Officer to Governor Bago, forced the reporter out of the venue after physically assaulting him.

Recounting the incident, Mikail said he and his cameraman were quietly performing their duties when confronted. He explained that despite clarifying they were not obstructing proceedings, the governor’s CSO allegedly pushed him, after which other security operatives joined in the assault and ejected him from the event. The account has since raised concerns among media stakeholders about the safety of journalists covering public functions in the state.

IPI Nigeria described the attack as part of a “disturbing trend” of violations against journalists, accusing Governor Bago’s administration of fostering an environment hostile to press freedom. The organisation noted that such repeated incidents not only intimidate reporters but also erode democratic accountability by restricting the free flow of information to the public.

The institute also pointed to earlier cases, including the detention of Ahmed Isah Sakpe, a reporter with Prestige FM in Minna, who was summoned by the police over alleged defamation of a government protocol officer. It further referenced the closure of Badeggi FM Radio in November 2025 on grounds that its broadcasts were deemed critical of the state government, describing the action as arbitrary and disproportionate.

Other incidents highlighted include the arrest of freelance journalist Ibrahim Ndamitso in May 2025 after he questioned the governor about insecurity, and the interrogation of journalist Yakubu Mustapha Bina by the State Security Service following a report about the governor’s convoy. IPI Nigeria also recalled the 2023 assault on Voice of America correspondent Mustapha Batsari by a senior state official within Government House, Minna.

According to IPI Nigeria, the cumulative effect of these incidents led to Governor Bago’s inclusion in its “Book of Infamy,” a publication that documents individuals and institutions accused of undermining press freedom. The list, unveiled in December 2025, underscores what the institute describes as persistent attempts by certain public officials to silence critical voices and suppress freedom of expression.

Reacting specifically to the assault on the NTA reporter, the organisation called on the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to launch an immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible, particularly the governor’s CSO, are held accountable. It stressed that failure to act decisively could embolden further attacks on journalists across the country.

IPI Nigeria reiterated that safeguarding press freedom is essential to democracy, urging federal authorities to take a firm stance against any abuse of power that targets the media. The organisation maintained that journalists must be allowed to operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence, warning that continued violations could damage Nigeria’s democratic credentials and global reputation.