PRESS RELEASE
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos- Nigeria is greatly concerned about reported threats on the life of Katsina-based journalist, Rukayyah Jibia who works with Tambarin Hausa Television in Katsina.
Narrating her ordeal in a telephone interview with DAILY NIGERIAN, Ms. Jibia said, “On May 21st, I posted a video on my person TikTok handle where I criticized the way and manner in which some ladies were paraded by the police for alleged prostitution. I suggested to them to always allow the court to pronounce accused persons guilty before they are paraded before the press.”
“The next day after posting the video, I received a call from the Katsina State Police Command public relations officer, Gambo Isah, asking me to report to the Emir’s palace.”
“I was on my way to the Emir’s palace, when the police blocked my way and stopped my vehicle. I didn’t know they were on my trail. They came with about four vehicles and one Hilux. There were about 21 policemen. So, when the incident happened, I was on the phone with my colleague, Jamil, and I explained the situation to him.”
“I told him if I go missing, the police should be held responsible, but they forcefully grabbed and twisted my hands to collect the phone and smashed it on the ground. In the process, I sustained a minor injury.”
Ms. Jabia who is currently on the run stated that she was arraigned before a Sharia Court on the 23rd of May, 2023, but fortunately the Khadi was not on seat because the court had closed before they arrived. She was later taken to the area commander and secured bail after spending five hours.
IPC is deeply worried about the situation of Journalist Rukayyah Jibia and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies to ensure that she is not harmed in any way.
IPC enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the alleged action by the journalist to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help.
IPC therefore appeals to other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for her safety, as she is currently hiding because her life is in danger.
IPC again calls for an end to the harassment and arrests of journalists so that Nigeria can qualify to be described as a democratic country where the rule of law is not ignored.
SGD:
Melody Akinjiyan
Press Freedom Officer, IPC
melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org
