Dare Babalola
A 38-year-old resident of Suleja, Hamisu Abdullahi, has been arrested by police in Niger State after he reportedly shouted “No water, no light” during a visit by Governor Mohammed Bago.
The incident, which occurred during the governor’s Sallah engagement in Suleja, has stirred fresh concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of dissenting voices in the state.
Confirming the development, police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said Abdullahi was taken into custody for allegedly attempting to disrupt official activities. He noted that the suspect was later moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna.
According to Abiodun, “The suspect was arrested for suspected thuggery and for trying to disrupt government proceedings during the Sallah visit,” adding that he has since been released on bail while investigations continue.
Reports indicate the outburst happened shortly after Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the emir’s palace, where Abdullahi—an electrician and father of four—voiced his frustration over the lack of basic amenities.
His brother, Haruna Abdullahi, said he spent five days in detention before regaining his freedom. Claims that the arrest may have been carried out on the governor’s directive remain unverified.
The arrest adds to a series of recent incidents that have drawn criticism from observers, who say authorities in the state are increasingly clamping down on critics, including members of the press.
Earlier this year, a journalist based in Minna, Ahmed Sakpe, was detained following a petition linked to a report involving a government official. Police later said the matter involved alleged defamation and cyberbullying.
In another case, Badeggi FM was shut down in August 2025 after the state government accused the station of airing content critical of its policies—an action widely condemned by media advocacy groups.
There have also been reports of journalists being questioned over their work and facing intimidation at public functions.
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has repeatedly flagged what it describes as a troubling trend of hostility toward journalists and dissenting voices in the state.
In one instance cited by the organisation, an NTA reporter, Musa Mikail, alleged he was assaulted by security personnel while covering a Ramadan event in Bida.
“I made it clear we were only doing our job, but I was pushed and forced out by security operatives,” he recounted.
IPI Nigeria has warned that such actions undermine press freedom and democratic values, urging President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene.
