A civil society organisation, DigiCivic Initiative, has commended the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, for ordering an investigation into the alleged assault of the Editor of Pinnacle Daily, Sunday Michael Ogwu, during a clampdown on suspected illicit drug sellers in Lugbe, Abuja.
The organisation, however, condemned alleged brutality and intimidation of journalists and called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident, which occurred on August 19, 2026.
In a statement issued in Abuja, DigiCivic Initiative said it accompanied Ogwu to the FCT Police Command following the incident, where his account was formally received and a written statement obtained from him.
The group said the police also presented their own account of the incident before the Commissioner directed a Deputy Commissioner of Police from the Force Criminal Investigation Department to conduct an investigation and report back.
“We consider this directive an important step towards ensuring that the allegations are subjected to due process and resolved on the basis of facts and evidence,” the organisation said.
“We commend the Commissioner’s willingness to receive the complaint and initiate an institutional investigation.”
DigiCivic Initiative, however, said any form of brutality, harassment, intimidation or unlawful use of force against journalists or members of the public was unacceptable.
The group said the alleged physical assault of Ogwu, including the reported seizure and damage of his mobile device, should be thoroughly investigated.
“If established, the alleged physical assault of Mr. Ogwu, including the reported seizure and damage of his mobile device, is unacceptable and inconsistent with the responsibility of law-enforcement officers to protect citizens and uphold the law,” the statement said.
The organisation stressed that journalists play a critical role in documenting events and providing information to the public, noting that legitimate professional activities should not expose media practitioners to violence, intimidation or retaliation.
“Journalists perform an essential public-interest function by documenting events and informing citizens. Their legitimate professional activities should not expose them to violence, intimidation or retaliation,” it said.
DigiCivic Initiative urged the Nigeria Police Force and other law-enforcement personnel to avoid acts of brutality and unlawful use of force, particularly during public operations.
It also called for adequate training of officers on human rights, press freedom and the lawful exercise of police powers.
The group urged the investigating team to identify all personnel involved in the incident, review available video and other evidence, interview relevant witnesses and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and damage to the journalist’s equipment.
“Where any officer or other person is found to have acted unlawfully, we urge the appropriate authorities to ensure accountability in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
It, however, stressed that the investigation should be allowed to establish the facts fairly and independently without prejudging any individual involved.
DigiCivic Initiative said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the case while promoting engagement between the media, civil society and law-enforcement institutions.
The organisation added that it remained committed to advancing digital rights, civic freedoms, freedom of expression, journalists’ safety and accountable governance.
