The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the Benue State Government for the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, describing the action as a blatant assault on press freedom and democracy.
The station was reportedly shut down on Thursday by armed policemen allegedly led by officials from the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. During the operation, staff members were allegedly assaulted, and a journalist was forced at gunpoint to halt the station’s 1 pm news broadcast.
HURIWA, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned the deployment of security operatives for what was described as a mere tax enforcement drive. The group argued that the incident represented a dangerous precedent for media suppression in Nigeria.
“This is a disgraceful and unacceptable act of intimidation against a legitimate media organization. The use of armed policemen to shut down a radio station over an alleged N150,000 business premises levy is excessive and illegal,” HURIWA stated.
The rights group further called on Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to order the immediate reopening of Joy FM and hold those responsible for the invasion accountable. It warned that failure to act could encourage similar acts of repression in other states.
“We are disturbed by reports that Joy FM was not officially notified of any outstanding payments before this violent action. If indeed there were any debts, legal procedures should have been followed instead of resorting to armed intimidation,” the statement added.
HURIWA also urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the use of its personnel for what it described as a politically motivated attack on press freedom. The association called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to intervene and ensure that Joy FM resumes operations without further harassment.
“This incident reflects the worsening state of press freedom in Nigeria. If we do not resist this now, other state governments may begin shutting down media houses that criticize them,” HURIWA warned.
The association concluded by reiterating that a free press is essential for democracy, vowing to pursue legal action if Joy FM is not reopened. It also called on civil society groups and international human rights organizations to take a stand against what it termed a growing clampdown on the media in Nigeria.
