Media owners, editors 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 attack on an Arise TV crew in Port Harcourt.
The warning was issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt. They said the failure to arrest and prosecute those behind the attack within the deadline would force journalists in the state to boycott all police related activities.
Speaking for the group, publisher of Port Harcourt Telegraph and former lawmaker, Ogbonna Nwuke, described the attack as unfortunate and dangerous for democracy, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident happened on Friday, January 2, when suspected thugs stormed a hotel in Port Harcourt and disrupted a live Arise TV interview with a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Leloonu Nwibubassa.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly threatened the former commissioner and seized some broadcast equipment belonging to the Arise TV crew. The police later recovered and returned the items.
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Nwuke condemned the attack, saying it was not just an assault on journalists but a threat to public safety.
He alleged that despite the suspects being identified by the interviewee, the police had failed to make any clear arrests.
According to him, the silence of the police since the incident raised serious concerns and suggested possible compromise.
“When journalism is under attack, society is also under threat. The police appear to be playing to the gallery. Equipment was recovered, but no firm arrests have been made,” he said.
He added that Dr Nwibubassa reportedly named one of the attackers, yet no immediate action followed.
The group demanded a full investigation and prosecution of all those involved within two weeks.
They warned that if the police fail to act, journalists and media organisations in Rivers State would withdraw coverage of all police activities in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
