The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for violently disrupting a live ARISE NEWS broadcast in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The union said the attack occurred on January 2, 2026, when suspected political thugs assaulted the ARISE NEWS crew and seized their broadcast equipment during an interview at a hotel in the state capital.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Friday at the NUJ State Council Secretariat, the National Vice President for Zone F, Mr. Opaka Dokubo, speaking on behalf of the NUJ National President, described the incident as a “serious threat to journalists’ safety.”
“Journalists are apolitical professionals who must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation or harassment,” Dokubo said, adding that the media serves as a neutral platform for public engagement and should not be treated as a participant in political conflicts.
He further stressed, “The media exists to promote peace, accountability, and national development and does not operate as an enemy of any political group.”
While acknowledging the prompt police response to the distress call, Dokubo maintained that merely retrieving stolen equipment does not amount to justice. He called for the “immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved” to deter future attacks on journalists.
The NUJ also warned that the assault raised serious concerns about press safety ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dokubo urged media practitioners to remain “extremely security-conscious” while performing their professional duties.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, reportedly armed, stormed hotel rooms around 9:15 pm during an interview with former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa. The thugs reportedly seized phones, forced doors open, and threatened both the former commissioner and the ARISE NEWS crew, forcing the live broadcast to be discontinued.
Following the attack, newspaper publishers, media managers, and journalists in Rivers State issued a two-week ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, demanding a thorough investigation.
Dokubo concluded: “Only those who remain alive can continue to tell stories that shape public discourse. Accountability in this case is necessary to reassure journalists operating in an increasingly tense political environment.”