The Niger State Police Command has verified the arrest of a 38-year-old man named Hamisu Abdullahi. He is accused of yelling “no water, no light” during Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s visit to the Emir of Suleja following Eid-el-Fitr prayers on Friday.
According to Daily Trust, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson for the state, told our reporter that the suspect was arrested for trying to stop government business during the governor’s Sallah visit.
He stated, “One Hamisu Abdullahi, 38, of Suleja, was arrested and sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna on March 20, 2026, for suspected thuggery and trying to stop government activities during the Sallah visit.”
“However, he was later released on bail while the investigation goes on.”
Haruna Abdullahi, the suspect’s brother, said that he was released on bond last night after spending five days in jail.
Reports said that Hamisu, an electrician and father of four who lives in Unguwan Bayi, Suleja, was arrested after yelling the words at the emir’s palace during the governor’s visit.
Some people said that the governor told the police to arrest the person, but this could not be confirmed.
When asked, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor’s chief press secretary, said he didn’t know about the event.
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria also asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday to warn Governor Bago against doing things that could make it harder for the press to be free in the state.
The group, whose Deputy President is Fidelis Mbah and Legal Adviser is Tobi Soniyi, claimed in a statement that some of the governor’s and his staff’ acts had violated the rights of journalists and media organizations to do their jobs.
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