The Nigeria Police Force reportedly raided the residence of Lawal Mu’azu-Obah, a former aide to Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, at about 1am, allegedly assaulting and arresting him.
Mu’azu-Obah was initially taken to the Maitumbi Police Division in Minna before being transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, according to a source who spoke to SaharaReporters.
The source said the police also confiscated the mobile phones belonging to Mu’azu-Obah and his wife during the operation.
According to the source, the arrest may be connected to Mu’azu-Obah’s recent political activities, particularly his support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Shiroro Constituency seat, Dr Ibrahim Kuta.
Mu’azu-Obah previously worked in the Office of the Deputy Governor, where he defended his principal and the Niger State Government.
However, he has recently been promoting Kuta’s candidacy and calling for the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The source alleged that the incident followed an All Progressives Congress (APC) programme held in Kuta on Saturday, where the ADC candidate was reportedly booed alongside the phrase “Bamuayi” (“We don’t like you”), a development that allegedly angered supporters of APC candidates backed by the deputy governor.
The source further alleged that Mu’azu-Obah was assaulted in the presence of his wife during the raid.
However, the allegations of assault and the circumstances surrounding the arrest could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted on Monday morning for the police’s response to the reported arrest and alleged assault, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said he would need time to verify the development.
Abiodun indicated that he would first confirm the details before providing further information on the matter.
“Will verify please,” Abiodun said.