The Coalition for Whistleblower Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has condemned the alleged assault, harassment, unlawful seizure and destruction of the working tools of Sunday Michael Ogwu, Editor of Pinnacle Daily, by officers of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) in Abuja.
In a statement, the coalition said the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m. around the Lugbe Federal Housing Estate area of Abuja during a joint demolition exercise involving police officers from the Lugbe Police Division and VGN members.
According to an account shared with CWPPF, Ogwu was taking a stroll in the area when he encountered the demolition operation involving about four Hilux patrol vans marked “Lugbe Police Division” and VGN members in their brown uniforms.
The coalition alleged that Ogwu brought out his mobile phone to document the exercise when a police officer forcibly seized the device.
It said Ogwu repeatedly identified himself as a journalist and attempted to speak with the team leader, but was allegedly surrounded by police officers while some local youths were arrested.
According to the account, officers subsequently ordered Ogwu to enter a patrol van. When he refused, reportedly explaining that he was a journalist and had committed no crime, he was allegedly flogged with an electric cable on the instruction of the officer in charge.
CWPPF further alleged that after Ogwu’s phone was returned and he was told to leave, he moved about 100 metres away and began recording a video of the alleged assault while attempting to send a distress message to his media organisation.
The coalition said the officers noticed him recording and allegedly chased him, dragged him back to the demolition site and subjected him to another round of flogging.
It alleged that the officer in charge ordered the second assault, reportedly saying that the first beating “was not enough”.
According to CWPPF, the alleged assault caused physical injuries to Ogwu and severely damaged his mobile phone before passersby intervened and urged him to leave the area for his safety.
The coalition described the incident as an unacceptable violation of press freedom and human rights, arguing that journalists have a legitimate right to document public operations conducted by state authorities.
“Documenting public operations conducted by state agents is a constitutionally protected right, not a criminal offence,” the coalition said.
CWPPF also expressed concern that the alleged conduct of officers from the Lugbe Police Division contradicts assurances by police authorities regarding respect for human rights and press freedom.
The coalition said the alleged attack could further damage Nigeria’s standing on global press freedom assessments and called on authorities to take immediate action.
CWPPF called on Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the FCT Police Command to order a transparent investigation into the incident and identify and discipline the police officers and VGN personnel allegedly involved.
It also demanded full compensation for Ogwu’s damaged mobile phone and payment of all medical expenses arising from the alleged assault.
The coalition further called for a formal public apology to Ogwu and the management of Pinnacle Daily and urged the FCT Police Command to direct police divisions across the territory to stop the intimidation, harassment and physical assault of journalists covering public events.
CWPPF reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a safe environment where journalists can perform their professional and constitutional duties without fear of retaliation, intimidation or harassment.
