Bauchi Governor’s Son Threatens Journalist, Claims Investigative Reporting is Misinformation

Bauchi Governor’s Son Threatens Journalist, Claims Investigative Reporting is Misinformation

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s son, Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, has publicly threatened Haruna Mohammed Salisu, the publisher of WikkiTimes, claiming that the journalist will be his enemy “forever.” The threat comes after Salisu reached out via WhatsApp for comments regarding an ongoing investigation he is conducting.

WikkiTimes reports that during the exchange, Shamsudeen asserted that only a court could determine the legitimacy of Salisu’s investigation, challenging him to disclose his location for potential legal action if he was found to be spreading false information. “If you aren’t a coward, reveal your whereabouts, give us your address…so that we can institute litigation against you if you lie,” he stated.

Shamsudeen, who accused the journalist of attempting to mislead the public, denied any wrongdoing related to ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct. He implied that Salisu’s work resembled that of online media organizations he accused of blackmailing public figures. He refused to engage further with the journalist, suggesting that Salisu was biased and possibly influenced by a financial backer.

While specifics of the investigation were not disclosed, it seems to be connected to past allegations against Shamsudeen, including a 2017 case concerning money laundering.

WikkiTimes reports that he faced a 20-count charge related to the illegal cash purchase of properties worth over N1.2 billion while his father served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Although the court later dismissed the case for lack of evidence, the lingering implications remain contentious.

WikkiTimes has faced ongoing harassment from the Bauchi State government, prompting multiple relocations of its office and forcing reporters to often work from home. This hostile environment reflects broader dangers for journalists in Nigeria, particularly those reporting on politically exposed individuals. Salisu himself has faced a campaign of intimidation, culminating in his seeking refuge abroad earlier this year due to escalating threats against him.

This hostility toward WikkiTimes follows a pattern of political repression, with Governor Bala Mohammed having previously ordered the arrest of Salisu during the last presidential election. Despite international condemnation from organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists, the newspaper continues to battle multiple lawsuits from political elites, highlighting the significant risks faced by journalists in the region.

By PRNigeria