The Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom has called for an investigation into allegations that police officers assaulted Pinnacle Daily editor Sunday Michael Ogwu while he was documenting a demolition exercise in Abuja.
The coalition also wants disciplinary action against any police officers or Vigilante Group of Nigeria personnel found responsible.
According to CWPPF, Ogwu encountered the demolition operation at the Lugbe Federal Housing Estate on August 19.
The coalition alleged that an officer seized his phone after he began recording the exercise.
It said Ogwu identified himself as a journalist but was ordered into a police vehicle.
The coalition further alleged that he was beaten with an electric cable after refusing and was later pursued and assaulted again when he attempted to record the incident.
These allegations were presented by CWPPF and were not independently verified in the source material.
The group said Ogwu sustained injuries and that his mobile phone was damaged.
CWPPF called on the Inspector General of Police and the Federal Capital Territory Police Command to conduct a transparent investigation.
It also requested compensation for the damaged phone, payment of medical expenses and a public apology to Ogwu and his organisation.
The coalition argued that journalists had a legitimate role in documenting public operations carried out by state institutions.
It warned that intimidation or violence against journalists could undermine press freedom and public accountability.
CWPPF also asked police authorities to direct officers across the Federal Capital Territory to avoid harassment of journalists covering public events.
The case adds to continuing debate over the relationship between security agencies, public order operations and media freedom.
The central issue now is whether an investigation will establish what happened and whether any personnel will face disciplinary or legal consequences.
