Amnesty International has condemned the police invasion of JKD TV and Hamada Radio Network in Millennium City, Kaduna. The rights group called it unlawful and outrageous. Police arrested the station’s manager, Charles Abah, and a security guard during the raid. The police said they had instructions to arrest journalist Zainab Yabagi over a video explainer about Ibrahim Masari, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs. The Kaduna State Police Command had earlier declared Yabagi wanted. She works at JKD Media, owned by former diplomat and presidential media aide Yusuf Mamman.
Nigeria’s press freedom record has deteriorated in recent years. The 2020 #EndSARS protests were followed by attacks on journalists. In 2021, the government moved to regulate social media. In 2023 and 2024, journalists faced arrests and harassment over reports on officials. The pattern is consistent: criticism of powerful figures triggers state pressure.
In the video explainer, Yabagi questioned Masari’s spending. She likened the source of his money to that of the terrorist Bello Turji. She asked how many Nigerians can gift away ₦300 million. The question followed a donation by Masari and Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni of ₦300 million each to a proposed university in Jos, initiated by cleric Sani Jingir.
Amnesty said the attack on JKD is part of a wider pattern. It accused the government of making it harder for journalists to report on public interest issues without fear of reprisals. It said no official is above scrutiny. It also noted that Abah and the security guard remain in detention. The army, through 8 Division spokesperson Olaniyi Osoba, said it had not confirmed whether some abducted persons were clerics, in a separate Zamfara case. That is not connected to the Kaduna raid.
The mechanics are telling. A journalist produces a commentary. An official takes offence. The police declare the journalist wanted. Officers raid the station and arrest colleagues who were not the target. The message is not subtle. It is intended to chill newsrooms.
Winners: Masari, who silences a critic through state force. The police, which demonstrates loyalty to power. Losers: Zainab Yabagi, who faces arrest. Charles Abah and the security guard, who are detained. JKD Media, which faces intimidation. Nigerian journalism, which loses another slice of freedom. The public, which is denied scrutiny of officials.
Bottom Line: A journalist asked who paid ₦300 million. The police answered with a raid. That is the story.