The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Adamawa State Council, Donald Dedan, has accused a close associate of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Hamidu Mukhtari, popularly known as “Dogo”, of threatening his life.
In a formal complaint made available to the press, in Yola, the state capital, Dedan alleged that Dogo, who is widely known in political circles as the Director of Youth Mobilization for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, issued the threat in public during the Bwatiye International Cultural Fiesta held on May 30, 2025, at Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola.
Narrating the incident, Dedan said the confrontation occurred while he was serving as one of the official Masters of Ceremony for the event. According to him, the threat was issued shortly after he ushered in Governor Fintiri to deliver his address.
“While the Governor was speaking, I heard someone shouting behind me. I turned to urge the individual to maintain silence, only to discover it was Hamidu Mukhtari.
To my shock, he began shouting insults and threatening me openly, vowing to ‘deal with me’ once the Governor left the stage,” Dedan recounted.
The incident, he said, was witnessed by the Governor’s Aide-de-Camp, members of the protocol team, the Chief Press Secretary, and several journalists, including members of the Governor’s press crew. Dedan stated that the protocol team intervened promptly to deescalate the situation.
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He added that formal complaints have been lodged with both the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), warning that if any harm befalls him or his family, Mukhtari should be held responsible.
“This is not the first time Mukhtari has harassed journalists in Adamawa State,” Dedan stated. “His actions are a growing threat to press freedom and public safety.”
Mukhtari, known for his aggressive political tactics, has previously been implicated in similar incidents. In 2021, he was accused of assaulting veteran journalist Ibrahim Mista Ali within the Government House premises. That same year, prominent politician Dr. Umar Ardo accused him of orchestrating a physical attack on him and his supporters during a political gathering.
As of press time, Hamidu Mukhtari has not issued a response to the latest allegations.
The NUJ has called on security agencies and the Adamawa State Government to take urgent action to ensure the safety of journalists and uphold the rule of law in the state.