Niger Police Detain Individual for Criticizing Government During Governor's Visit

The police have apprehended a 38-year-old man named Hamisu Abdullahi, who allegedly shouted, "No water, no light," during Governor Mohammed Bago’s visit to Suleja, bringing renewed attention to concerns over civil liberties in Niger State.

Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest, stating the individual was taken into custody for purportedly trying to disrupt official engagements during the governor's Sallah visit.

"One Hamisu Abdullahi, 38, of Suleja, was arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna… for suspected thuggery and for attempting to disrupt government activities during the Sallah visit," Abiodun reported, adding that Abdullahi was later granted bail while investigations remain underway.

The incident occurred shortly after Eid-el-Fitr prayers when Abdullahi, an electrician and father of four, made the comments at the emir’s palace in Suleja during the governor's visit.

His brother, Haruna Abdullahi, disclosed that he was released after spending five days in detention.

There are claims that the arrest was executed on the governor's orders, though this has not been independently confirmed.

Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, stated he was unaware of the incident when approached for comments.

This arrest occurs amidst increasing scrutiny directed towards the Niger State Government regarding what critics term as a trend of arrests targeting dissenting voices, including journalists.

In February, police detained Ahmed Sakpe, a journalist based in Minna, in connection with a petition related to a report about a government aide. The police stated that the case involved defamation and cyberbullying allegations, which they intend to bring to court following their investigation.

Earlier, in August 2025, the state government ordered the shutdown of Badeggi FM for allegedly broadcasting content critical of the administration, a decision that sparked backlash from media rights organizations.

Numerous incidents have been reported, including the questioning of journalists concerning published articles and claims of harassment against media professionals during public events.

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has consistently expressed concerns about what it describes as a "disturbing trend" of hostility towards journalists and dissenters in the state. IPI highlighted various instances, including the alleged assault on an NTA reporter, Musa Mikail, during a Ramadan function in Bida.

Mikail recounted, "I clarified that we were not obstructing anyone and were merely performing our duties. Despite this statement, he pushed me, and other security personnel assaulted me and evicted me from the event."

According to IPI Nigeria, such actions reflect "ongoing attempts to curb freedom of expression and silence journalists," noting that Governor Bago was included in its "Book of Infamy" in 2025 due to alleged violations of press freedom.

The organization has urged President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police to take action to ensure accountability, emphasizing that a free press is essential to democratic governance.

Analysts argue that Abdullahi's arrest over a public outcry regarding basic services such as electricity and water highlights larger issues concerning citizens’ rights to voice their concerns. Niger State, along with many regions in Nigeria, continues to grapple with infrastructure inadequacies, leading residents to frequently express dissatisfaction about the supply of electricity and access to safe drinking water.

Civil society observers warn that incidents like this have the potential to amplify perceptions of intolerance towards dissent. While the police assert that the arrest was motivated by concerns for public order, the event contributes to the ongoing discussion about finding a balance between security measures and fundamental rights in the state.