IPC Condemns Kano Police Action Over Harassments, Detention Of Journalists

By Oluronke Kuku

The International Press Centre, IPC, has totally condemned the action of the Kano State Police Command over the frequent and incessant harassments and detention of journalists in the State.

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The International Press Centre described its call as necessary following the disturbing trend of intimidation, harassment and detention of journalists like Buhari Abba Rano, the Online Editor with Kano Times; and Isma’il Auwa, a freelance journalist. 

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub, has strongly condemned the actions of the Kano State Police Command.

According to the press statement released by the Press Freedom Officer SPG-Hub, Melody Akinjiyan, she explained how Rano and Auwa were detained on the alleged orders of the Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Waiya, in connection with an opinion article published by Kano Times. 

Rano confirmed that he was invited by the Kano State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) of the Kano Police Command, where he was detained for three hours and his phone seized.

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The IPC went further to described the action of the police as highly condemnable, calling on the Police and the Kano State Government, to uphold their responsibility to respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression. 

The IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, emphasized the need for Police to desist from being used to punish journalists who carry out their duties.

The SPJ-Hub also called on the Kano State Police Command, through the Commissioner of Police, to stop all forms of intimidation and harassments against Rano and Auwa and rather ensure their safety. 

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The IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, has been in contact with Rano and is closely monitoring the situation.

This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, who often risk intimidation, harassment, and detention in the course of their work. The IPC’s condemnation of the police action is a testament to the organization’s commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and promoting a free and independent press.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the Kano State Police Command will heed the IPC’s call to stop the intimidation and harassment of Rano and Auwa.

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The IPC however pledged to continue to advocate for the rights of journalists and work towards a safer and more enabling environment for media practitioners to strive in the Country. 

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