By Emmanuel Kwada
Concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists in Adamawa State have intensified following allegations by the Chief Executive Officer of Zij Online TV, Zaiyad Ismaila, that he was physically assaulted and threatened with death over the content of a political programme aired on his media platform.
Ismaila, an independent journalist and media entrepreneur, has appealed to local and international media organizations, human rights groups, and global institutions, including UNESCO, to intervene, claiming that he now lives in fear for his safety following the incident.
The journalist, who holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s Degree in Language and Communication from Modibbo Adama University, Yola, alleged that the attack stemmed from a political programme aired on Zij Online TV under his flagship programme, Hanjin Jimina.
According to him, the controversy began after he hosted Alhaji Umaru Nana, a politician based in Jimeta and a supporter of Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, who represents Adamawa Central Senatorial District.
During the programme, Umaru Nana reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the senator’s performance and empowerment initiatives, claiming that despite actively campaigning for Senator Abbas during the 2023 general elections, he had not benefited from any of the empowerment programmes organized by the lawmaker.
Nana further alleged during the broadcast that the senator had not delivered sufficient dividends of democracy to constituents and urged voters to consider alternative candidates in future elections.
Ismaila told TGNEWS that the programme generated reactions, including a response from one Abdulwahab Abdulmumini, popularly known as Abdulwahab Turakin Kabawa, who publicly challenged the claims made during the interview.
However, the journalist alleged that matters escalated beyond public debate when Kabawa later confronted him in person.
Recounting the incident, Ismaila said he was on his way to Girei for another media engagement involving Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa when he stopped at a food spot along Barrack Road near the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
According to him, Kabawa approached him and began discussing legal action against both Umaru Nana and himself over the contents of the programme.
“He told me he would take Umaru Nana to court and would also take me to court. I told him that if he wanted to sue me, he should go ahead instead of publicly threatening and embarrassing me,” Ismaila recounted.
The media executive alleged that the exchange soon became hostile, with Kabawa allegedly insulting him and boasting of connections to influential individuals.
“He told me he knew powerful people and that even if he killed me, nothing would happen. He continued insulting me and threatening me,” Ismaila claimed.
The journalist further alleged that the confrontation turned violent after he responded to the insults.
“He punched me near my neck and ear area, grabbed my neck, and I fell to the ground,” he said.
X-ray scans obtained from the hospital and shared with TGNEWS show visible cracks, confirming the injuries.
Following the incident, Ismaila said he instituted legal proceedings against the alleged attacker and reported the matter through the appropriate channels.
He expressed disappointment that some members of the journalism community had failed to support him despite the seriousness of the allegations.
According to him, while a separate case involving Umaru Nana reportedly resulted in detention pending judgment, the suspect in the assault case was granted bail by the court.
The journalist said the development has heightened his fears and reinforced concerns about his personal safety.
“I am currently living under threats and fear. I cannot freely carry out my duties as a journalist without constantly worrying about my security,” he said.
Ismaila has called on national and international press freedom organizations, human rights advocates, civil society groups, and media stakeholders to monitor the case and ensure that justice is served.
The incident has renewed concerns about the growing risks faced by journalists covering political issues and public affairs in Nigeria, particularly at the state and community levels where media practitioners often operate with limited institutional protection.
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been obtained from Abdulwahab Abdulmumini regarding the allegations, as repeated calls went unanswered and SMS messages received no replies. The matter remains before the courts, and all parties are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
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