The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has vehemently condemned the recent forceful closure of Joy FM 96.5 in Otukpo by the Benue State Government, labelling the act as a blatant violation of press freedom and democratic principles.
In a statement, HURIWA described the armed encroachment by security personnel as a blatant instance of state-sponsored intimidation and thuggery against the media. They warned that such authoritarian actions could lead Nigeria into a perilous phase of media suppression.
The organisation expressed indignation that such actions could occur in a democratic context, calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia to promptly instruct the station’s reopening and ensure those responsible for this unlawful aggression are held accountable.
“This act of intimidation against a legitimate media outlet is disgraceful and intolerable,” HURIWA asserted. “The armed invasion of Joy FM by police in a commando-style operation represents a deliberate effort to silence the press and instil fear in journalists who strive to report independently. This is state-sponsored thuggery, and we will not bear it.”
The group questioned the rationale behind the use of armed officers for what was purportedly a tax enforcement operation, emphasising that no government has the power to arbitrarily shut down a media house without due process.
HURIWA highlighted concerns that Joy FM was unaware of any outstanding payments prior to this violent action, emphasising that the claim regarding the station’s alleged debt of US$100.47 for a business premises levy is absurd, pointing to political motivations behind this assault.
“If Joy FM had any payment issues, why was the only solution to storm the station with heavily armed police as if in pursuit of terrorists?” they questioned. “This constitutes a shocking abuse of authority that should not go unnoticed.”
HURIWA further urged the Nigeria Police to investigate the unauthorised use of their personnel in what appears to be a politically driven attempt to intimidate the media. They raised concerns about the state government’s ability to deploy a significant number of armed officers for a mere tax enforcement operation, warning that if this trend persists, no media outlet in Nigeria will be safe from government oppression.
“This incident highlights the deteriorating state of press freedom in Nigeria. The police need to clarify how they allowed themselves to be wielded as instruments of oppression,” HURIWA stated. “Nigeria is not a military dictatorship, yet journalists are being compelled to halt their broadcasts at gunpoint. If we do not push back against this now, other state governments may adopt similar lawlessness, targeting media entities that expose their failures.”
The association called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to intervene swiftly, ensuring Joy FM can resume operations without further harassment.
HURIWA also appealed to media professionals, civil society organisations, and international human rights groups to strongly oppose this overt attack on press freedom. “If the Benue State Government fails to rescind this unconstitutional action and reopen Joy FM immediately, HURIWA will mobilise civil society organisations, legal experts, and concerned citizens to challenge this overreach in court. We will also seek support from international press freedom advocates to highlight Nigeria’s increasing crackdown on media. The moment to act is now.”
Finally, HURIWA reminded the Benue State Government that a free press is fundamental to democracy, asserting that attempts to stifle the media will only galvanise public opposition. The organisation pledged to closely monitor developments in this case and ensure accountability for those responsible for this misuse of power.
