The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigeria’s umbrella body for media professionals, has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for the violent disruption of a live ARISE NEWS television interview in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State in southern Nigeria.
Okay News reports that the union described the incident as a dangerous escalation of threats against journalists, warning that failure to punish those involved could encourage further attacks on the media, particularly as Nigeria moves closer to its next general elections scheduled for 2027.
The disruption occurred on Thursday, January 1, 2026, when suspected political thugs reportedly attacked an ARISE NEWS crew during a live broadcast at a hotel in Port Harcourt. The assailants allegedly assaulted journalists and confiscated broadcasting equipment while the interview was ongoing.
Speaking during a press conference held on Friday evening at the Nigeria Union of Journalists State Council Secretariat in Port Harcourt, the National Vice President for Zone F, Mr Opaka Dokubo, addressed journalists on behalf of the NUJ National President. He said the incident reflected a worrying pattern of intimidation against media workers across the country.
“Journalists are apolitical professionals who must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation or harassment,” Dokubo said.
He explained that the media serves as a neutral platform for public engagement and public accountability and should not be viewed as an extension of political rivalry or conflict.
“The media exists to promote peace, accountability and national development and does not operate as an enemy of any political group,” he added.
Dokubo acknowledged the swift response of the Nigeria Police Force after a distress call was raised following the attack. However, he stressed that the recovery of stolen equipment alone did not amount to justice for the journalists affected.
“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 warned that the incident had serious implications for media safety ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, a period traditionally marked by heightened political tension.
“As we approach the 2027 election cycle, this incident raises serious concerns for the safety of journalists,” Dokubo said, urging media professionals to remain “extremely security-conscious” while carrying out their duties.
The NUJ further described the attack as a “heinous act” and insisted that accountability was essential to reassure journalists operating in an increasingly tense political environment.
“Only those who remain alive can continue to tell stories that shape public discourse,” Dokubo added.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack occurred while the ARISE NEWS team was interviewing Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment in Rivers State. The attackers were said to have stormed the hotel at about 9:15 p.m., armed and chanting in a local language.
“They were chanting in their local language, forcing doors open and seizing people’s phones. Workers in the hotel started running helter-skelter,” an eyewitness said.
Witnesses said the assailants searched hotel rooms, seized mobile phones, and attempted to locate both the former commissioner and the ARISE NEWS cameraman before eventually reaching the interview venue and forcing the live broadcast to be discontinued.
Following the incident, newspaper publishers, media managers, and journalists in Rivers State reportedly issued a two-week ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Nigeria’s most senior police officer, and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, demanding a thorough investigation into the attack.
The NUJ reiterated that holding those responsible accountable was critical to protecting press freedom and safeguarding democratic engagement in Nigeria.
