The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone E, has strongly condemned alleged threats and intimidation directed at its Adamawa State council chairman, Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan, by one Hamidu Muktari, popularly known as “Dogo.”
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Zonal Secretary, Abubakar Musa Waziri, the incident occurred on May 30, 2025, during the Bwatiye International Cultural Festival in Yola. The event was attended by top state officials, including the governor of Adamawa State, security operatives, and members of the press.
Describing the alleged threat as a direct assault on press freedom and democratic accountability, the NUJ said the conduct of Muktari was unacceptable—particularly during an event backed by the state government.
Waziri noted that this was not the first instance of harassment by Muktari, citing prior reports of similar conduct towards media professionals. He warned that repeated acts of intimidation reflect a dangerous culture of impunity that erodes the foundations of democratic governance.
“We stand firmly behind Comrade Dedan and his previous petitions to both the Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS). A full and impartial investigation must be launched immediately. If found culpable, Muktari must face prosecution,” the statement read.
The union further called on the Adamawa chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to disassociate itself from Muktari and suspend him from all party-related activities pending the outcome of the investigation.
The NUJ also urged the Adamawa State Police Command and the DSS to provide enhanced security for Dedan and his family, warning that inaction would embolden further attacks on journalists.
Highlighting the presence of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the event where the threat reportedly occurred, the union demanded a public statement from the governor’s office condemning the act and reaffirming the state’s commitment to press freedom.
Waziri concluded by warning that failure by local authorities to act would compel the union to escalate the case to national and international watchdogs, including the NUJ National Secretariat, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Amnesty International.
