The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State Government, calling it a brazen assault on press freedom and democracy. The rights group described the armed invasion by security operatives as a clear case of state-sponsored thuggery and intimidation against the media, warning that such dictatorial actions could plunge Nigeria into a dangerous era of media suppression.
Reports indicate that on Thursday, a team of heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station in two trucks, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Mr. Sunday Odagba, and Mr. Ikwue Ikwue of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. Staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1 pm network news bulletin was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast.
Reacting to the incident, HURIWA stated that the use of armed policemen to shut down a media house under the guise of enforcing tax collection is not only excessive but also a violation of constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of the press. The association expressed outrage that such an action could take place in a democratic setting and called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to immediately order the reopening of the station while holding those responsible for the unlawful attack accountable.
“This is a disgraceful and unacceptable act of intimidation against a legitimate media organization. The invasion of Joy FM by armed policemen in a commando-style operation is a calculated attempt to silence the press and instill fear in journalists who dare to report freely. This is state-sponsored thuggery, and we will not tolerate it. The Benue State Government must explain why a tax enforcement exercise required the use of live ammunition, gun-wielding security operatives, and the physical assault of journalists,” HURIWA declared.
The rights group emphasized that no government has the authority to shut down a media house arbitrarily, especially without due process and adequate notice. It noted that if Joy FM was owing any statutory levies, proper legal procedures should have been followed to address the matter, instead of resorting to armed intimidation.
“We are particularly disturbed by reports that the station was not even aware of any outstanding payments before this barbaric action. The claim that the station owed N150,000 for a business premises levy is laughable and only exposes the political motives behind this action. If indeed Joy FM had defaulted in any payment, was the only solution to storm the station with heavily armed policemen as if chasing terrorists? This is an outrageous abuse of power and must not be swept under the carpet,” HURIWA said.
HURIWA further called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the illegal use of its personnel in what appears to be a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the press. It questioned how a state government was able to deploy a large number of armed operatives for a mere tax enforcement drive, warning that if this pattern is allowed to continue, no media organization in Nigeria will be safe from government persecution.
“This incident reflects the worsening state of press freedom in Nigeria. The police must explain how they allowed themselves to be used in such an oppressive manner. Nigeria is not a military dictatorship, yet journalists are now being forced to stop their broadcasts at gunpoint. If we do not resist this now, other state governments will copy this lawlessness and begin shutting down media houses that expose their failures,” HURIWA warned.
The association reiterated its call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to intervene immediately and ensure that Joy FM resumes operations without any further harassment. It also urged media practitioners, civil society groups, and international human rights organizations to take a firm stand against this brazen attack on press freedom.
“If the government of Benue State does not reverse this unconstitutional act and reopen Joy FM immediately, HURIWA will mobilize civil society groups, legal experts, and concerned citizens to challenge this abuse in court. We will also petition international press freedom organizations to take up this case and expose the increasing clampdown on the media in Nigeria. The time to act is now,” the group declared.
HURIWA concluded by reminding the Benue State Government that a free press is the cornerstone of democracy and that attempts to gag the media will only strengthen public resistance. The association vowed to continue monitoring developments surrounding this case and ensure that those behind this abuse of power are held accountable.
*Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko*
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
January 31, 2025
