MEDIA personality, Ahmed Isah, has apologised for assaulting his interviewee accused of setting her brother’s daughter on fire over an allegation that the girl was a witch.
The founder of Brekete Family, a popular TV and radio reality show in the Federal Capital Territory had appeared in a BBC Africa Eye documentary slapping a woman at least twice on set.
A video of the attack on the woman went viral on social media on Monday, drawing criticism from many.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists yesterday demanded an unreserved apology from Isah.
“From the trending video, it is clear that Ahmed Isah constituted himself into an authority in the administration of justice wherein he charged his victim, tried, convicted and went ahead to administer the punishment as defined and prescribed by him alone. These are powers that neither the judiciary nor the executive arm government does not possess,” National President, Ladi Bala said.
“Having taken time to watch and analyse the trending and very disturbing video contextually, NAWOJ hereby demands an unreserved public apology and possibly compensation from Ahmed Isa to the assaulted and brutalised lady.
“NAWOJ believes that a crime cannot be used to justify another crime on the premise of carrying out an investigation that is totally alien to the provisions of the law in any material particular and journalism practice whatsoever.
“The video clip in which Ahmed Isah was seen interrogating the poor lady clearly showed how he not only assaulted her but seriously dehumanised her and reduced her self-esteem to an unacceptable low level of human dignity in spite of her admittance of an alleged crime and equally showed remorse.
“Pointedly put, the action of Ahmed Isah completely negates and contradicts what the human rights station represents.”
Ordinary President is he fondly called, however, during his live radio programme today said that he was sorry for his reaction.
“I am sorry for slapping her, I want all our listeners globally to forgive me. I am human bound to make mistakes. I am just being emotional, I am sorry,” he said.
