Niger Resident Arrested After Shouting ‘No Water, No Light’ During Gov Bago's Visit

Police authorities in Niger State have detained a 38-year-old resident, Hamisu Abdullahi, after he allegedly shouted complaints about poor utilities during a visit by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to the Emir of Suleja following Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

Security officials said the man was taken into custody after the outburst, which reportedly occurred while the governor was making the traditional Sallah visit to the palace.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said Abdullahi was arrested for actions considered capable of disrupting an official government engagement.

 

According to him, the suspect was later moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further inquiry.

Abiodun explained that investigators suspected the man’s conduct amounted to public disturbance during the high-profile visit.

He said, “The individual was taken into custody on suspicion of engaging in conduct that could obstruct government activities during the Sallah visit. The matter is under investigation.”

However, the police spokesperson added that the suspect was eventually granted bail while the investigation continues.

Family members confirmed his release. Abdullahi’s brother, Haruna Abdullahi, said he regained freedom on Tuesday evening after spending about five days in detention.

Hamisu, an electrician and father of four who lives in Unguwan Bayi area of Suleja, was reportedly apprehended shortly after shouting the phrase “no water, no light” within the vicinity of the emir’s palace during the governor’s visit.

Meanwhile, allegations have circulated suggesting the arrest may have been carried out on the instructions of the state governor. The claim has not been independently verified.

When contacted for clarification, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said he was not aware of the incident.

In a related development, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria recently urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advise Governor Bago against actions that could undermine press freedom in the state.

The organisation, in a statement jointly signed by its Deputy President, Fidelis Mbah, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, expressed concern over what it described as growing pressure on journalists and media organisations in Niger State.

According to the group, authorities must protect the right of journalists to operate without intimidation.

“Public officials must respect constitutional protections for the media and avoid actions that could be interpreted as attempts to silence criticism,” the statement said.