There was palpable tension in Suleja, Niger State, on Friday, March 20, 2026, after a 38-year-old resident, Hamisu Abdullahi, was arrested for shouting “no water, no light” during a Sallah homage visit by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to the palace of the Emir of Suleja.
The incident has sparked nationwide debate about the right to peaceful protest and the limits of free speech, drawing sharp condemnation from civil society and human rights organisations.
How It Happened
According to family sources and eyewitness accounts, Abdullahi, an electrician and father of four residing in Unguwan Bayi, Magajiya Ward in Suleja, first raised concerns about the lack of basic amenities immediately after Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Eid prayer ground.
He reportedly told the governor directly: “There is no electricity and no pipe-borne water in Suleja.”
The situation escalated later during the governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja’s palace. As the governor engaged with dignitaries and residents, Abdullahi again voiced his complaints—this time interrupting the governor’s speech.
After being identified and asked to step forward, the governor reportedly explained that electricity supply is the responsibility of the relevant distribution companies and not the state government. However, sources alleged that Governor Bago then told Abdullahi he would be taught “a lesson on how to approach leaders” before ordering security operatives to take him into custody.
State Police Confirm Arrest
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, identified the suspect as Hamisu Abdullahi, 38, of Suleja.
“One Hamisu Abdullahi, 38, of Suleja, 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,” Abiodun said.
He added that the suspect was later granted bail while investigations continued.
Five Days in Detention, Alleged Assault
Abdullahi’s brother, Haruna Abdullahi, confirmed that he was released on bail on Tuesday evening, March 24, 2026, after spending five days in police custody.
Upon his release, Abdullahi made shocking allegations. He claimed he was forced to pay N50,000 to secure his bail. He also alleged that he was physically assaulted by an aide of the governor at the Emir’s palace before his arrest.
“An aide to the governor slapped me in the presence of the governor the day the incident happened at the Emir’s palace before asking police to take me into their custody,” Abdullahi told reporters.
He stated that he had been directed to report back to the police headquarters in Minna as part of his bail conditions. Abdullahi also disclosed that he is a registered member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor’s Office Responds
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said he was not aware of the incident.
However, multiple sources insist that the arrest was carried out on the direct orders of the governor, a claim that has not been independently verified by reporters.
Rights Groups Condemn Arrest
The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and media advocacy groups.
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria had, prior to the incident, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Governor Bago against actions that could impede press freedom and civil liberties in the state. In a statement jointly signed by its Deputy President, Fidelis Mbah, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, the organisation said some actions of the governor and officials under him had infringed on the rights of journalists and media organisations to carry out their duties.
Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the arrest, describing it as an attack on peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
The Take It Back Movement (TIB), Niger State Chapter, strongly condemned the arrest and detention, demanding Abdullahi’s immediate release and an end to the intimidation of citizens who express legitimate grievances.
Pattern of Suppression?
Observers say the arrest of Abdullahi is part of a disturbing pattern in Niger State under Governor Bago’s administration. In August 2025, the state government ordered the closure of Badeggi FM radio, accusing the station of airing content critical of the administration—a move condemned by civil society organisations as an attack on press freedom.
In February 2026, police detained a Minna-based journalist, Ahmed Sakpe, following a petition linked to a report involving a government aide. In another incident, a senior NTA reporter, Musa Mikail, alleged he was pushed and attacked by security operatives during a Ramadan event in Bida.
IPI Nigeria has since listed Governor Bago in its “Book of Infamy” over alleged press freedom violations.
A Slogan That Cost Freedom
For shouting a four-word slogan—“No water, no light”—Hamisu Abdullahi spent his Eid-el-Fitr celebration in a police cell, separated from his four children. His case has once again raised fundamental questions: In a democracy, should citizens not have the right to draw attention to the failure of basic infrastructure? And where is the line between peaceful protest and “disrupting government activities”?
As of press time, the police said investigations into the matter were ongoing. But for many Nigerians, the message from Suleja is clear: speak truth to power, and you may just pay for it—with your freedom
