Probe Arise TV crew attack or face boycott, journalists warn police

Newspaper publishers, media managers, and journalists in Rivers State have given the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, a two-week ultimatum to investigate the recent attack on an Arise TV crew at a hotel in Port Harcourt.

The ultimatum was issued on Thursday by members of the group under the aegis of Port Harcourt Press.

They warned that if those responsible for the attack are not brought to justice within the deadline, they would be compelled to boycott all police activities in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the body, Publisher of Port Harcourt Telegraph and former House of Representatives member, Ogbonna Nwuke, described the attack as “unfortunate” and a litmus test of what desperate politicians want to re-enact in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Online reports that the incident occurred on Friday, January 2, when suspected thugs invaded a hotel and disrupted a live interview of a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubassa, by the Arise TV crew.

The assailants also threatened the ex-commissioner and seized some broadcast equipment, which was later recovered and returned by the police.

Nwuke condemned the act, saying it reflects a broader threat to the journalism profession and public safety.

He alleged that the police appeared to be shielding the hoodlums despite being identified by the interviewee.

“It is also important to note that when the journalism profession is threatened, the society of course will come under siege. From available information, the police appear to be playing to the gallery. While the broadcast equipment was reportedly recovered, no definite arrests have been made.

“Even more troubling is the fact that Dr. Nwibubassa reportedly mentioned the name of a particular perpetrator, yet no immediate action was taken. The silence of the police authority since Friday, January 2, raises serious concerns.

“We are therefore constrained to believe that the police may be compromised and, by implication, complicit in this heinous act against the journalism profession in Rivers State,” he said.

Nwuke demanded an urgent and thorough investigation to bring those culpable to justice within two weeks.

He warned that “failure to address the issue with the urgency it requires and not carrying out satisfactory actions as required in their prosecution will attract sanctions such as withdrawal of coverage of all police activities in Rivers State by media organisations and journalists as we stand in solidarity with the NUJ.”

He called on the IGP and CP to “justifiably acquit themselves of complicity in this matter by showing commitment to a logical investigation, arrest and prosecution of all those involved and those that armed the thugs that invaded the hotel to disrupt the Arise interview.”

Culled from punch