The Niger State Police Command has arrested 38-year-old Hamisu Abdullahi, for shouting “no water, no light” during Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s visit to the Emir of Suleja after Eid-el-Fitr prayers on Friday.
The state police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said this, adding that Abdullahi was arrested for attempting to disrupt government activities during the governor’s Sallah visit.
Abiodun said Abdullahi was arrested “and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, on March 20, 2026, for suspected thuggery and attempting to disrupt government activities during the Sallah visit.
“However, he was later granted bail while investigation continues.”
The suspect’s brother, Haruna Abdullahi, confirmed that he was released on bail on Tuesday evening after spending five days in detention.
The suspect who is an electrician and father of four lives in Unguwan Bayi, Suleja, reportedly shouted the phrase at the emir’s palace during the governor’s visit.
It was learnt that Bago ordered Abdullahi’s arrest, a claim which cannot be independently verified.
Bago’s spokesperson, Bologi Ibrahim, said he was not aware of the incident.
Meanwhile, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria had on Monday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Governor Bago accused of impeding press freedom in the state.
IPI Deputy President, Fidelis Mbah, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, in a statement, said some actions of the governor and officials under him had breached the rights of journalists and media organisations to carry out their duties.
