By Our correspondent
YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE — Fresh concerns over press freedom, journalists’ safety, and democratic accountability have emerged in Adamawa State following shocking allegations by the Chief Executive Officer of Zij Online TV, Zaiyad Ismaila, who claims he was physically assaulted and threatened with death over the content of a political programme aired on his media platform.
The embattled media entrepreneur has now appealed to local and international media organizations, human rights groups, civil society organizations, and global institutions, including UNESCO, to intervene, warning that his life is in danger and that the incident represents a growing threat to independent journalism in Nigeria.
Ismaila, a trained journalist with a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s Degree in Language and Communication from Modibbo Adama University, Yola, said the controversy arose after an edition of his popular political programme, “Hanjin Jimina,” featured comments critical of the performance of a serving senator.
According to him, the programme hosted Alhaji Umaru Nana, a Jimeta-based politician and supporter of Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District.
During the interview, Umaru Nana reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the senator’s performance and empowerment programmes, alleging that despite actively supporting and campaigning for the lawmaker during the 2023 general elections, he had not benefited from any of the senator’s initiatives.
The guest further claimed that the senator had not delivered sufficient democratic dividends to constituents and urged voters to evaluate alternative political options in future elections.
The interview reportedly generated widespread reactions across political circles, including a public rebuttal from Abdulwahab Abdulmumini, popularly known as Abdulwahab Turakin Kabawa, who challenged the assertions made during the broadcast.
However, Ismaila alleged that what began as a political disagreement later escalated into a disturbing personal confrontation.
Narrating the incident, the journalist said he was travelling to Girei for another media engagement involving Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa when he stopped at a food outlet along Barrack Road, near the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
According to him, Abdulwahab approached him and initiated a discussion about taking legal action against both Umaru Nana and the media platform over the controversial programme.
“He told me he would sue Umaru Nana and also sue me. I told him that if he wanted to take legal action, he should proceed through the proper channels rather than threaten and embarrass me publicly,” Ismaila recalled.
The media executive alleged that the encounter quickly became hostile.
“He began insulting me and boasting about his connections to influential people. He said he knew powerful individuals and that even if he killed me, nothing would happen to him. Those words left me deeply shaken and fearful for my life,” Ismaila alleged.
The journalist further claimed that the confrontation later turned violent.
“He punched me around my neck and ear area, grabbed me by the neck, and I fell to the ground,” he said.
Medical documents and X-ray reports reportedly obtained following the incident indicate injuries allegedly sustained during the altercation.
Following the incident, Ismaila said he formally reported the matter and initiated legal proceedings against the alleged attacker through the appropriate authorities.
He also expressed disappointment that some members of the journalism community had remained silent despite the gravity of the allegations.
According to him, while a separate case involving Umaru Nana reportedly resulted in detention pending judgment, the suspect in the alleged assault case was granted bail by the court — a development he says has heightened his fears and raised concerns about his personal safety.
“I am living under constant fear and intimidation. Every day, I worry about my safety. It is becoming increasingly difficult to carry out my professional duties as a journalist without concern for what may happen next,” he lamented.
The Zij TV CEO has called on national and international press freedom organizations, human rights advocates, media unions, civil society groups, and democratic institutions to closely monitor the case and ensure that justice is served.
Observers say the incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by journalists covering politics, governance, and public affairs, particularly at state and community levels where media practitioners often operate without adequate institutional protection.
The allegations have sparked renewed debate about the safety of journalists, freedom of expression, and the need to safeguard independent media voices in Nigeria’s democratic space.
Efforts by our correspondent to obtain the reaction of the Adamawa State Police Command proved unsuccessful. Several attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for confirmation of the incident and the command’s position on the matter were abortive as calls were not answered and no response was received at the time of filing this report.
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been received from Abdulwahab Abdulmumini regarding the allegations. Repeated telephone calls and text messages seeking his reaction were not answered. The matter remains before the courts, and all parties are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
PIONEER NEWS 