CWPPF Demands Probe Over Alleged Police Beating Of Journalist With Electric Cable

By allcitynews.ng 

Following the alleged assault and brutalisation of  an Abuja-based journalist for performing his constitutional duty, Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has condemned the alleged assault, harassment and destruction of the mobile phone of the Editor of Pinnacle Daily, Sunday Michael Ogwu, by police operatives and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) in Abuja.

The coalition said the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, around 5:30 p.m. in the Lugbe Federal Housing Estate area of Abuja, during a joint demolition exercise involving personnel of the Lugbe Police Division and VGN members.

According to an account presented to CWPPF, Ogwu was taking a stroll in the area when he encountered the demolition operation and brought out his mobile phone to document the exercise.

The coalition alleged that a police officer forcibly seized his phone despite his repeated identification as a journalist and attempted to speak with the team leader.

It further alleged that the officers surrounded Ogwu, arrested some local youths, and ordered him to enter a police patrol van.

When he declined, insisting that he was a journalist and had committed no offence, the officers allegedly flogged him with an electric cable on the instruction of the officer supervising the operation.

CWPPF said that after his phone was eventually returned and he was asked to leave, Ogwu moved about 100 metres away, where he began recording a video of the incident and attempted to send a distress message to his media organisation.

According to the coalition, the officers noticed that he was recording and allegedly pursued him, dragged him back to the demolition site, and subjected him to another round of flogging.

The officer in charge was also alleged to have ordered the second assault, reportedly stating that the first beating was “not enough.”

CWPPF said the incident left Ogwu with physical injuries and caused serious damage to his mobile phone before passersby intervened and urged him to leave the area.

Condemning the incident, the coalition described the alleged conduct of the police and VGN personnel as unacceptable and a serious violation of press freedom and citizens’ rights.

The group maintained that documenting public operations carried out by government agencies is not, in itself, a criminal act, and expressed concern that security personnel assigned to maintain law and order could allegedly resort to violence against a journalist performing his professional duties.

CWPPF said the alleged assault also contradicted assurances by police authorities on respect for human rights and the protection of press freedom.

“Journalism is not a crime,” the coalition said, stressing that the media’s responsibility to hold public institutions accountable is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

The organisation consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the FCT Police Command to order an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident.

It also demanded that those found responsible among the police officers and VGN personnel be identified, arrested, and appropriately disciplined.

CWPPF further called for full compensation for Ogwu’s damaged mobile phone, payment of his medical expenses arising from the alleged assault, and a formal public apology to the journalist and the management of Pinnacle Daily.

The coalition also urged the police authorities to direct all divisions across the Federal Capital Territory to end the intimidation, harassment and physical assault of journalists covering public events.

CWPPF reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a safe and free environment in which journalists can carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear of intimidation, harassment or retaliation.

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