NUJ Petitions Yobe Police Commissioner Over Assault on NTA Reporter by CSP Deba
By Baba Dan’iya
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Yobe Command, over the alleged assault on a Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) reporter, Mr Babagana Kolo, by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Yobe Government House, CSP Yakubu Zakari Deba.
In the petition dated Nov. 7, 2025, and jointly signed by the council’s Chairman, Comrade Rajab Ismail Mohammed, and Secretary, Mr Alhassan Sule Mamudo, the union described the attack as “unprovoked, brutal and a violation of press freedom.”
The petition recalled that Kolo was allegedly beaten by CSP Deba at the Yobe House of Assembly complex on Nov. 6, 2025, while covering the presentation of the 2026 budget by Governor Mai Mala Buni.
It said the assault, which left the reporter with facial injuries, occurred in the presence of several journalists and constituted a gross abuse of power and disregard for the constitutional rights of media practitioners.
The NUJ demanded the immediate suspension of CSP Deba from his position as CSO, a transparent investigation into the incident, and prosecution of the officer if found culpable.
The union also requested that the victim be compensated for his injuries and damages, insisting that the attack violated Sections 21 and 24 of the 1999 Constitution and the Nigeria Media Code of Conduct.
“The Yobe Council of NUJ urges the police authorities to act swiftly to uphold justice and protect journalists’ safety in the discharge of their professional duties,” the statement said.
Copies of the petition were also forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, and Brekete Television.
