NUJ Chairman Dedan Accuses Fintiri Ally ‘Dogo’ of Life Threat in Public

NUJ Chairman Dedan Accuses Fintiri Ally ‘Dogo’ of Life Threat in Public

Mr. Donald Dedan, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Adamawa State, has accused Hamidu Mukhtari—popularly known as Dogo—of threatening his life in public during a high-profile cultural event in Yola.

Dedan made this grave allegation in a formal complaint submitted to this news platform on Sunday. He also lodged official reports with the Adamawa State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS), warning that if anything happens to him or his family, Dogo should be held responsible.

According to Dedan, the incident occurred on Friday, May 30, 2025, during the Bwatiye International Cultural Fiesta held at the Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola. Dedan was serving as one of the official Masters of Ceremony at the event, where Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was also present and giving a public address.

While the governor was delivering his remarks, Dedan said he heard loud and disruptive shouting from nearby. When he turned to request that the individual tone down their voice, he realized it was Hamidu Mukhtari—widely known in Adamawa political circles as Dogo—who was causing the disturbance.

Dedan stated that Dogo, who identifies himself as the Director of Youth Mobilization for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, began issuing open threats and hurling abusive and defamatory language at him. “He pointed at me and declared that he would deal with me after the governor’s speech,” Dedan recounted.

The incident reportedly attracted the immediate attention of the governor’s Aide-de-Camp and several members of the protocol team. They quickly intervened and tried to de-escalate the situation by calling Dogo to order.

Dedan emphasized that this drama unfolded in the presence of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the governor’s press crew, and other journalists. “It was not done in secret. It happened in full public glare,” he said.

“This is not the first time Hamidu Muktari, aka Dogo, has harassed or threatened journalists in this state. He behaves as though he is above the law,” Dedan said. “If anything happens to me or my family, the authorities should hold him responsible.”

Several journalists in the state have echoed similar concerns about Dogo’s behavior. Some say he operates with impunity, shielded by political connections at the highest level.

The NUJ chairman’s claims may have opened a can of worms. Reports indicate that Dogo has a long-standing reputation for issuing threats and engaging in acts of violence. Two past cases were highlighted.

First, a veteran journalist, Ibrahim Mista Ali, was allegedly assaulted by Dogo at the Government House about two years ago. Witnesses say Dogo manhandled Ali during an official assignment.

Second, a prominent politician, Dr. Umar Ardo, once accused Dogo of leading a mob attack against him and his supporters during a political gathering. At the time, Ardo publicly decried the impunity surrounding Dogo’s actions, saying political thuggery must not be tolerated.

And that’s not all. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) once arrested Hamidu Mukhtari for alleged drug trafficking.

According to the former NDLEA Commander in Adamawa, Mohammed Bello, Dogo was arrested on Sunday, May 16, 2021, with 166 kilograms of Indian hemp (cannabis sativa). “We arrested him with outlawed substances. We had to release him on bail because courts were not sitting at that time. But he met all bail conditions,” Bello said.

The agency vowed to press charges once the courts resumed. However, to this day, no public record indicates that Dogo was ever prosecuted for the offense. The matter has remained buried, fueling claims that the political elite may be shielding him from legal consequences.

The NUJ’s position is clear: the safety of journalists must not be compromised for political reasons. Union officials are calling for urgent action to ensure the safety of their members.

Dedan also expressed frustration that despite previous allegations and criminal records, Dogo continues to occupy an influential role in state politics, particularly among youth circles in the PDP. “He poses a threat to press freedom and public safety,” Dedan said.

Calls are mounting on the state government and security agencies to either take immediate action or risk being seen as complicit.

Political observers say this could test the Fintiri administration’s commitment to law, order, and the rights of journalists. The pressure is now on the state to rein in overzealous political operatives who believe they are untouchable.

For now, Dedan and many others in the Adamawa media space remain on edge, watching to see if justice will be served or if this will become yet another chapter in a long list of unresolved threats and political violence.