SERAP demands justice for journalist attacked at Etsu Nupe palace, calls for IGP probe

Stanley Ihedigbo

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently direct the Inspector General of Police to investigate the brutal assault on Mr. Musa Mikail, a senior reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), which reportedly occurred on March 13, 2026.

Mikail was covering a Ramadan Iftar at the palace of the Etsu Nupe in Bida, Niger State, when he was allegedly attacked by private security personnel acting on instructions from the Chief Security Officer to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, Mr. Shehu Maikano.

In its statement, SERAP condemned the attack, describing it as a serious violation of press freedom, the rule of law, and democratic accountability.

The organization stressed that President Tinubu should make clear to Governor Bago and his government that no public official is above the law, and that using security operatives to intimidate or assault journalists is unacceptable and unlawful.

SERAP urged that the federal government ensure a prompt, transparent, and thorough investigation into the assault, including any role played by Governor Bago.

The group also called for those found responsible to be held fully accountable, through appropriate disciplinary measures or referral for prosecution, and for Musa Mikail to be provided access to justice and effective remedies, including adequate compensation.

“Persistent attacks on journalists not only violate constitutional rights but also weaken public trust and embolden further violations,” SERAP said, citing Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, and Section 34, which guarantees dignity and freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment.

SERAP also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protects the right to receive and disseminate information, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which safeguards the freedom of expression for journalists.

The group warned that impunity for attacks on media practitioners undermines democracy and called for immediate action to prevent further violations. SERAP emphasized that public officials must never use their positions or security apparatus to suppress the media, but rather have a legal and moral duty to uphold and protect fundamental human rights.

As public outrage grows, attention now focuses on the federal government’s response, with many viewing the handling of this case as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to press freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.