Investigative journalist Allwell Ene of Megaletrics Media Group was attacked by a group of men in the Garrison Junction area of Port Harcourt, on April 13, 2026, while investigating possible criminal acts reported from the area by the public. These acts included harassment of commuters, motorists, and residents around major bus stops and commercial routes in the city.
According to a report, the journalist was alone filming activities in the area when a group of men noticed him recording and became suspicious. He was confronted and questioned about his presence and why he was taking videos. After identifying himself as a journalist, the situation quickly escalated.
More than 15 men reportedly surrounded Ene and assaulted him. They punched him, tore his clothes, seized his mobile phone, and stole an unspecified amount of money and other personal belongings. The attackers also inflicted injuries on his face while continuing the assault in view of the public.
According to the police, officers attached to the Olu-Obasanjo Division swiftly responded after receiving reports of the attack and moved to assist the journalist. The incident has drawn condemnation from the Rivers State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
In a statement, the union described the attack as unjustified and unacceptable, stressing that journalists should be regarded as partners in nation-building rather than targets of violence. The union called on the government and security agencies to ensure accountability for the perpetrators and to improve the safety of journalists carrying out their professional duties.
On May 4, 2026, the Rivers State Police Command announced the arrest of 13 suspects in connection with the assault and other criminal activities in the area. Police spokesperson Blessing Agabe stated that preliminary investigations revealed that Ene was attacked while conducting a solo investigation in a known crime-prone area frequently targeted by police operations.
The police further disclosed that, on the directive of Commissioner Adepoju, coordinated operations were launched across the Olu-Obasanjo axis and adjoining areas, leading to the arrest of the 13 suspects. Authorities believe the suspects are linked not only to the attack on the journalist but also to other crimes, including phone theft, intimidation, and harassment of residents and commuters.
Ene told the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) that police invited him to identify his attackers among the 13 arrested suspects on the same day the arrests were announced. He said police told him they did not intend to hold the suspects for more than 24 hours. After the identification process, however, Ene told police that none of the suspects were his attackers.
Investigations remain ongoing, with the police indicating that efforts are being intensified to apprehend all individuals connected to the incident and related criminal activities.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) commends the Rivers State Police Command for its swift response and the arrests made in connection with the assault. The arrests represent an important step towards accountability and send a positive signal that attacks against journalists should not be allowed to go unpunished.
As part of its broader work to promote press freedom, media professionalism and safety of journalists across West Africa, the MFWA strongly urges media organisations to strengthen safety training and provide reporters with guidance on conducting investigations in high-risk environments.
The MFWA however condemns the assault and reiterates that journalists must be able to carry out their professional duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
