Amnesty International has condemned the alleged police raid and harassment of JKD Radio/Television in Kaduna State, following the declaration of journalist Zainab Salihu Yabagi wanted over a video explainer concerning Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The international human rights organisation called on the Nigerian authorities to immediately end what it described as the ongoing harassment and intimidation of JKD Radio/Television and its journalist.
The development has heightened concerns over press freedom, the safety of journalists and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, where journalists, activists and human rights defenders have increasingly faced allegations of arbitrary arrest, intimidation, harassment and prosecution in connection with their professional and civic activities.
According to Amnesty International, heavily armed police officers invaded the Millennium City, Kaduna, studios of JKD Radio/Television on September 11, 2026, and allegedly forced their way into the media organisation’s premises while searching for Yabagi.
Amnesty said the officers initially claimed that they were looking for the journalist in connection with a “stolen phone”.
During the operation, JKD Radio/Television’s General Manager, Charles Abah, and a security personnel were arrested and subsequently detained for more than seven hours.
However, Amnesty International said the police disclosed days later that Yabagi was actually being sought over allegations of criminal conspiracy, defamation, cyberstalking and bullying linked to Masari.
The organisation questioned the circumstances surrounding the police operation, particularly the alleged initial claim that officers were searching for a stolen phone, and raised concerns about the involvement of law enforcement authorities in a matter connected to a journalist’s work.
Amnesty further alleged that the authorities were acting at the behest of the presidential aide, although such allegations remain contested.
The human rights organisation described the declaration of a journalist as wanted in connection with her professional duties as part of a troubling pattern of restrictions on civic space and media freedom in Nigeria.
It warned that journalists, activists and human rights defenders must be allowed to perform their legitimate duties without being subjected to arbitrary arrests, intimidation, harassment, prosecution or other forms of reprisal.
Amnesty also called on the Nigeria Police Force to uphold due process and refrain from becoming a tool for political interests through arbitrary arrests, detention or other restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom.
The organisation urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to end what it described as a disturbing pattern of attacks against the media and arbitrary arrests aimed at intimidating journalists.
Amnesty maintained that media organisations and journalists must remain independent and be allowed to carry out their professional responsibilities freely, safely and without fear of reprisals.
The Kaduna State Police Command has, however, denied allegations that its officers raided JKD Radio/Television or unlawfully detained its personnel, maintaining that its actions were connected to an ongoing investigation.
The controversy comes amid wider concerns over the treatment of journalists and media organisations in Nigeria, particularly where reports or commentary involve powerful political figures and public officials.
The case has therefore renewed calls from rights and press freedom advocates for law enforcement agencies to respect constitutional protections for freedom of expression and the press while ensuring that legitimate investigations are conducted in accordance with due process.