Man Arrested for Shouting “No Water, No Light” During Niger Governor’s Visit

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old man, Hamisu Abdullahi, for allegedly disrupting Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s visit to the Emir of Suleja by shouting “no water, no light” during Eid-el-Fitr prayers on Friday.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that Abdullahi, an electrician and father of four from Unguwan Bayi, Suleja, was detained for attempting to disrupt government activities during the governor’s Sallah visit.

He was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, on March 20, 2026, but was later granted bail while investigations continue.

Abdullahi’s brother, Haruna Abdullahi, said he was released on Tuesday evening after spending five days in detention. The arrest reportedly took place at the emir’s palace, though claims that it was ordered by the governor could not be independently verified.

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bago, Bologi Ibrahim, said he was not aware of the incident.

Meanwhile, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Governor Bago against actions that could impede press freedom.

In a statement signed by Deputy President Fidelis Mbah and Legal Adviser Tobi Soniyi, the organisation noted that some actions by the governor and his officials had infringed on the rights of journalists and media organisations.