A reported assault on a journalist covering a political meeting in Lagos has prompted calls for police action and better protection for media workers.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) wants President Bola Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the attack on Samuel Adebanjo of TheCable.
Adebanjo was reportedly beaten by six suspected attackers at the Classique Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, on Thursday, 12 November 2026. The attackers also allegedly struck his wrist with an axe and took his camera, gimbal and microphone, worth millions of naira.
SERAP wants the police to recover the equipment and prosecute those responsible for the assault. It also wants the authorities to protect journalists from attacks and threats while they carry out their work.
Journalist attacked during political coverage
Media reports and eyewitness accounts put the incident at about 11:00 a.m. along Kudirat Abiola Way, before Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso arrived.
The two politicians are the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and his running mate. They were scheduled to address a town hall meeting at the venue.
The suspected attackers reportedly disrupted preparations for the gathering, causing panic among attendees, pedestrians and motorists. Several people fled the area as the violence unfolded.
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Shattered glass littered the event centre, and several vehicles belonging to NDC members and supporters were vandalised.
A supporter who sustained a head injury told Channels Television that the attackers carried cutlasses. Some attendees reportedly tried to resist them before they withdrew.
SERAP wants the police to establish how the journalist was attacked and ensure that his stolen equipment is returned safely. The organisation also wants anyone responsible for planning, financing or sponsoring the violence identified and brought to justice.
Rights groups asked to intervene
SERAP has also called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, Gina Romero, to condemn the incident.
It wants both international figures to press the Nigerian authorities to take practical steps to prevent further political violence and intimidation.
The organisation has also asked the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to intervene through its Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo.
SERAP wants the commissioner to seek explanations from the Nigerian authorities, demand better protection for journalists and political participants, and monitor the police investigation.
The organisation says the attack raises concerns about citizens’ ability to take part in political activities without fear as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
It cited sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
SERAP also referred to Articles 9 and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It cited Articles 19, 21, 22 and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The organisation says these laws protect Nigerians’ rights to express opinions, gather peacefully, associate with others and participate in politics.
It wants the Tinubu government to protect these rights, including when violence comes from individuals or groups outside government.
SERAP has also asked political parties and their leaders to condemn attacks on political gatherings and discourage supporters from threatening opponents or seeking revenge.
WHAT READERS SHOULD KNOW
The rights cited by SERAP cover more than political campaigns. They also protect citizens who want to express opinions, attend meetings or support candidates of their choice.
The organisation says political participation is a constitutional and human right, not a favour that political parties or their supporters can grant or withdraw.
Journalists and civil society groups also need protection to carry out their duties without threats or physical attacks.
SERAP wants the Nigerian authorities to ensure that political gatherings remain safe as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
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