Freedom Radio NUJ Chapel condemns alleged harassment of reporter by Barau FC Head Coach, Eugene Agagbe

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Freedom Radio Kano Chapel has strongly condemned the alleged harassment, intimidation, and unprofessional conduct of Barau FC head coach Eugene Agagbe against sports reporter Aminu Halilu during a post-match media engagement in Kano.

Recall that Aminu Halilu was alleged to have been insulted and almost attacked physically by the Barau FC Head Coach, Eugene Agagbe over a question he believed was provocative on Saturday after a NPFL match at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

A statement issued by the Chapel Chairman, Muzammil Ibrahim Yakasai, on Monday said Aminu Halilu is a senior reporter,  Secretary of the Freedom Radio NUJ Chapel and a registered member of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

According to the statement, an attack on him is therefore an attack on organized journalism and the professional institutions that uphold ethics, accountability, and press freedom.

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‘’Journalists are not enemies; they are stakeholders. Asking legitimate questions about performance is part of the job description. Responding with abuse or intimidation is a clear violation of professional conduct and an affront to democratic values. Passion is not a license for misconduct,’’ the statement said.

The statement said Freedom Radio NUJ Chapel considers this episode a direct assault on press freedom and a dangerous precedent that must not be allowed to stand. Sports arenas must remain safe spaces for journalists to do their work without fear or favour.

Accordingly, we call for immediate action, a comprehensive and transparent investigation by relevant football authorities, appropriate disciplinary measures should the allegations be established, a public apology to Aminu Halilu and Freedom Radio Kano and concrete guarantees from clubs and league organizers to protect journalists’ safety, dignity, and professional rights.

We further urge the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and SWAN at all levels to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Silence is not neutrality; it is complicity.

Freedom Radio remains committed to ethical, courageous, and responsible journalism.