The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for violently disrupting a live ARISE NEWS broadcast in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on January 2, 2026, involved suspected political thugs assaulting an ARISE NEWS crew and seizing their broadcast equipment during an interview at a hotel in the state capital.
Addressing journalists on Friday at the NUJ State Council Secretariat, National Vice President for Zone F, Mr. Opaka Dokubo, speaking on behalf of the NUJ National President, described the attack as a serious threat to journalists’ safety.
“Journalists are apolitical professionals who must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation or harassment,” Dokubo said.
He emphasised that the media serves as a neutral platform for public engagement and should not be treated as a participant in political conflicts. “The media exists to promote peace, accountability, and national development and does not operate as an enemy of any political group,” he added.
While commending the police for responding promptly to the distress call, Dokubo stressed that merely recovering stolen equipment did not constitute justice. “The union demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the attack to serve as a deterrent and prevent a recurrence of such violence against journalists in the state,” he said.
He further warned that the assault raised serious concerns for press safety ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging media practitioners to remain “extremely security-conscious” while performing their duties.
“Only those who remain alive can continue to tell stories that shape public discourse,” Dokubo noted, stressing the need for accountability in the ARISE TV case to reassure journalists operating in a tense political climate.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the ARISE TV crew was interviewing a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, when armed assailants stormed the hotel at around 9:15 pm. The attackers reportedly forced open doors, seized mobile phones, and threatened both the former commissioner and the news crew, ultimately disrupting the live broadcast.
Following the attack, newspaper publishers, media managers, and journalists in Rivers State issued a two-week ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The NUJ described the assault as a “heinous act” and insisted that swift action must be taken to protect journalists and safeguard press freedom in the state.
