A 38-year-old electrician has been arrested by the Niger State Police Command after allegedly shouting “no water, no light” during Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s visit to the Emir of Suleja’s palace last Friday.
The incident, which occurred during the governor’s Sallah homage visit after Eid-el-Fitr prayers, has sparked conversations across social media about citizens’ right to express their frustrations over basic amenities.
The Arrest
Hamisu Abdullahi, a father of four from Unguwan Bayi in Suleja, was apprehended at the emir’s palace after voicing out his community’s challenges with water and electricity supply. According to the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna on March 20, 2026.
“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,” the police spokesperson told Daily Trust.
Five Days in Detention
The electrician spent five days in police custody before being granted bail on Tuesday evening. His brother, Haruna Abdullahi, confirmed his release, though investigations are said to be ongoing.
The charges against him include suspected thuggery and attempting to disrupt government activities – allegations that many Nigerians on social media have questioned, arguing that expressing dissatisfaction with poor service delivery is a citizen’s right, not a criminal offense.
A Cry for Basic Amenities
Suleja, like many Nigerian towns, has long grappled with inadequate water supply and erratic electricity. For residents like Hamisu, who works as an electrician and has a family to support, these challenges are not just inconveniences but daily struggles that affect livelihoods and quality of life.
His two-word protest – “no water, no light” – captures the frustration of millions of Nigerians who continue to face these basic infrastructure deficits despite numerous government promises.
The Bigger Question
While authorities may view such outbursts during official visits as disruptive, many Nigerians see them as necessary wake-up calls to leaders who may be insulated from the daily realities faced by ordinary citizens.
The incident raises important questions: Should citizens be arrested for peacefully voicing their concerns? When leaders make public appearances, should they not expect to hear about the challenges facing their constituents?
As investigations continue, the case of Hamisu Abdullahi serves as another reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ rights to free expression and peaceful protest.
What are your thoughts on this arrest? Should citizens be free to express their grievances during official visits? Share your views in the comments below.
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