The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old resident, Hamisu Abdullahi, for allegedly shouting “no water, no light” during the visit of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to Suleja.
It was gathered that the incident occurred last Friday at the palace of the Emir of Suleja shortly after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, where the governor had paid a traditional Sallah homage.
Abdullahi, an electrician and father of four, was reportedly apprehended by security operatives after raising the alarm over lack of basic amenities while the governor’s convoy was at the palace.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspect was taken into custody for alleged acts capable of disrupting official government activities.
He said, “One Hamisu Abdullahi, 38, of Suleja, was arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Minna, on March 20, 2026, for suspected thuggery and attempting to disrupt government activities during the Sallah visit.”
Abiodun added that the suspect was subsequently granted bail, noting that investigations into the matter were ongoing.
However, a relative of the suspect, Haruna Abdullahi, told journalists that Hamisu was released on Tuesday evening after spending about five days in detention.
Sources in Suleja said the incident has generated mixed reactions among residents, with some describing the arrest as heavy-handed, while others maintained that security agencies must prevent any form of disruption during official engagements.
Efforts to get further comments from state government officials on the matter were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
