A 38-year-old man has been arrested in Niger State for allegedly disrupting Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s visit to the Emir of Suleja following Eid-el-Fitr prayers.
Hamisu Abdullahi, an electrician and father of four, reportedly shouted the phrase “no water, no light” at the emir’s palace on Friday, prompting his arrest. He was taken into custody by the Niger State Police Command and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna on 20 March 2026.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun who confirmed the confirmed the incident to newsmen, said the arrest was due to suspected thuggery and an attempt to disrupt government activities during the Sallah visit.
He added that Abdullahi had since been granted bail while investigations continue.
Abdullahi’s brother, Haruna, confirmed that he was released on Tuesday evening after spending five days in detention.
There have been unverified reports suggesting that the arrest was made on the governor’s orders. When contacted, Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bago, said he was not aware of the incident.
The situation has drawn concern from press freedom advocates. The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Governor Bago against actions that could restrict media operations in the state. In a statement, IPI noted that some actions by the governor and his officials had interfered with journalists’ ability to perform their duties.
