Mustapha Bina, a journalist with People’s Daily Newspaper and a freelancer for Minna-based Prestige FM, was reportedly detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) after covering an alleged bandit attack on the convoy of Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago.
The incident reportedly occurred during Governor Bago’s return from a project tour in Egede, Mashegu Local Government Area, on Tuesday.
According to the report, the governor’s security convoy came under fire, leading to a fierce exchange.
“Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into the bush after being overpowered,” a source claimed. The attack allegedly caused damage to several vehicles, including a Hilux and a bulletproof Counter-Terrorism Unit vehicle.
Following Bina’s broadcast of the story on Prestige FM, DSS operatives allegedly acted on the governor’s orders to arrest the journalist.
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An anonymous source disclosed that the intervention of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its chairman Abu Nmodu, and other stakeholders, facilitated Bina’s release.
“Mr. Bina was invited to the SSS office in Minna for questioning over the report aired on Prestige FM about the bandit attack on the governor’s convoy. The governor really felt embarrassed that the issue was out.
“He (Bina) was there for hours. It took severe pleas from the state NUJ and other stakeholders before the journalist was granted bail. They told him the arrest of the journalist would further escalate the matter,” the source revealed.
Expressing concern about the shrinking space for press freedom, the source added, “It is very unfortunate that the civic space is becoming stifled, and the environment hasn’t been very conducive for journalists, especially under the current administration.”
While the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, and Commissioner for Information, Binta Mamman, issued statements denying the reported attack, insiders suggest the governor was displeased that the incident had been leaked to the media.
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