The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has joined forces with the NBA Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI) and the NBA Bwari Branch to petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over “alarming cases of police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and extortion in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

A statement seen by CITY LAWYER reads:

According to the complaint, on the night of December 31, 2025, into the early hours of January 1, 2026 (Crossover Night), police officers from the Bwari Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Babayola Musa, carried out a raid that left several citizens gravely injured, permanently incapacited and others forced to pay “bail money” for their release.

One victim reportedly lost an eye after being hit by a teargas canister during the operation.

Following the incident, NBA-SPIDEL, under the leadership of Dr. Uju Agomoh, set up a joint fact-finding team with members from SPIDEL and the Human Rights Committee of NBA Bwari Branch. Their preliminary investigation confirmed that citizens were randomly arrested, detained, and extorted by police officers under the DPO’s command.

In the petition signed by Dr. Agomoh, NBA-SPIDEL is demanding a thorough and well-documented investigation into the incident. They are also calling for the immediate redeployment of DPO Babayola Musa, punishment for all officers found culpable, and justice for the victims, including compensation for those who suffered injuries.

This case has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, who say it reflects a growing trend of police misconduct in Bwari Area Council and across satellite towns, which often go unreported.

– Publicity Desk

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