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HURIWA Condemns Benue Government’s Armed Invasion of Joy FM, Calls It an Assault on Press Freedom
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
Senator David Jimkuta (APC), representing Taraba South Senatorial District at the National Assembly says 19 senators have been denied landing permit at the Kashimbilla airport in Taraba.
Jimkuta made the complain at his Senatorial Empowerment Programme in Wukari, Taraba, where he donated assorted items to the constituents.
He explained that the 19 senators were selected by the Senate to accompany him and to witness his empowerment programme.
The senator lamented that he got the report that the Kashimbila air port was temporary shut down, after he had completed every procedure required to fly into the airport.
Jimkuta, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, said that the visit would have allowed the know the needs of the state to be of support.
He said that the situation had prevented the senators from gracing the occasion.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their equipment.
Jimkuta also promised to support security with logistics to enhance security of lives and properties in the district.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their items but use them to better their lots.
Earlier, Chief David Kente, Chairman of the event, thanked the senator for the massive distribution of items to his constituents.
Kente, a philanthropist and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the empowerment as unpresidented in the history of the district.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that items distributed include cars, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, vulcanizing machines among others.
By Nathaniel Irobi
David Shikfu Parradang, former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has been killed by kidnappers in Abuja.
Citing sources, counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, Parradang, said Parradang was abducted in the Area 1 axis of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday.
Makama said after being trailed from a bank where he had withdrawn money, the assailants took the cash from him before eventually killing him.
The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly regarding the increasing cases of kidnappings and targeted attacks,” Makama said in a post.
Parradang, who served in the NIS for over 30 years, held various positions across the country, including Comptroller General.
He served in Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory. He also attended several professional courses both within Nigeria and internationally.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and was a distinguished graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Security agencies have reportedly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and killing, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in their newly appointed Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab.
In a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the General Secretary of the association and Chairman of North-east CAN, affirmed that the election, which took place on 25th February 2025 in Abuja, was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, leading to the selection of Rev. Hayab and other Executive members.
Bishop Naga, who serves as the General Overseer of the Biblical Christian Church (BCC), urged Christians, particularly those from the North, to continue praying for the peace, unity, and progress of a region beset by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He further encouraged all Christians to extend their prayers and support to the Muslim community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, in accordance with the teachings of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the founding Patron of CAN in Northern Nigeria.
Bishop Naga stated, “I wish to express our unwavering support for our substantive Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab. He was duly elected alongside other executive members, and all churches and Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria remain loyal to him.”
He continued, “Any group that believes they must hold power indefinitely should recognise that the stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, including the General Secretary of national CAN, Northern CAN, and representatives from various states, have honoured the election. This election stands firm, and we remain loyal.”
“We want to convey to the world, particularly those of us in Northern Nigeria, that we have a leader to whom we can turn regarding Christian matters. We advocate for peace and acknowledge the historical context of Northern Nigeria. CAN was established here, and we honour our father, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the first patron of CAN. This illustrates our kinship and commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
“Anyone seeking to disrupt this long-standing harmony is, in essence, an enemy of progress. In conclusion, I call upon all Nigerians to embrace one another, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, who are fasting. Let us pray for peace in Nigeria and for the advancement of our beloved country, particularly in the North,” Bishop Naga concluded.