SULEJA — Public outrage is mounting in Niger State following the arrest of a 38-year-old resident, Hamisu Abdullahi, who was taken into custody on the orders of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago after a brief confrontation over deteriorating public services.
The incident occurred during the Governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja following Friday prayers. As the Governor’s convoy moved through the area, Abdullahi reportedly shouted, “no water, no light,” voicing the frustrations of many locals grappling with prolonged utility shortages.
Witnesses claim the Governor halted his procession, identified Abdullahi, and summoned him forward. After a brief exchange where the Governor reportedly noted that electricity supply falls under the jurisdiction of distribution companies rather than the state, security detail moved in.
Abdullahi was subsequently whisked away to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna. The Niger State Police Command later confirmed the detention, categorizing the act as “suspected thuggery” and an attempt to “disrupt government activities.”
“It is a dark day for freedom of expression in this state,” said a local community leader who witnessed the scene. “A citizen should be able to tell his leader that there is no light or water without being treated like a criminal.”
The arrest has sparked a wave of condemnation from civil society groups. IPI Nigeria and other human rights advocates have called the Governor’s actions an abuse of power, urging the federal government to intervene against the perceived suppression of dissent.
Following five days in detention, Abdullahi was released on bail on Tuesday evening. Upon his release, he alleged that he was physically assaulted by a government aide during the initial confrontation at the Palace.
While the Governor’s office maintains the arrest was necessary to maintain public order, the “no water, no light” protest has now become a rallying cry for critics of the administration.
