The petition, dated January 6, 2026, and received at the FCT Police Command Headquarters, Area 11, Garki, accused the senior police officer of leading violent raids, firing live ammunition and deploying teargas indiscriminately.
A civil society organisation, Springs Aid Foundation, has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, demanding a probe of alleged abuse of office and extortion by the Bwari Divisional Police Officer, CSP Babayola Muhammad Musa.
The petition, dated January 6, 2026, and received at the FCT Police Command Headquarters, Area 11, Garki, accused the senior police officer of leading violent raids, firing live ammunition and deploying teargas indiscriminately.
He was also accused of subjecting civilians to brutal treatment during New Year crossover celebrations in Bwari.
Signed by Comrade Kenneth Chima, President of Springs Aid Foundation, the petition was submitted on behalf of three alleged victims: Mr. Thompson Edeh, Mr. Abraham Emmanuel, and Mr. Chidiebere Ogenyi.
According to the petition, on December 31, 2025, CSP Babayola allegedly led a late-night operation during which over 90 persons including churchgoers, business owners, and other residents celebrating the New Year were arrested.
The foundation alleged that officers under the DPO’s command fired several live rounds into the air and deployed tear gas without provocation, causing widespread panic and chaos in the community.
One of the victims, Mr. Abraham Emmanuel, was reportedly struck in the eye by a tear gas canister, resulting in severe bleeding. He was initially rushed to Gabic hospital Sabon gari Bwari where doctors reportedly informed him that the eye had suffered irreversible damage.
He was later referred to Bwari General Hospital, and subsequently to Asokoro General Hospital, where surgery was conducted and the affected eye was removed due to the severity of the injury.
Another victim, Tasiru, was reportedly hit by live ammunition and rushed to a hospital before traveling to his hometown in Katsina for further treatment.
Unconfirmed reports suggest he may have died from complications arising from the gunshot wound, though SaharaReporters could not independently verify this claim.
Springs Aid Foundation described the alleged actions as reckless and in violation of both Nigerian policing standards and international rules governing the use of force.
The petition further alleged that at about 10pm on the same night, Mr. Thompson Edeh, Chief Executive Officer of BenPenny Games, was at his business premises when armed police officers stormed the area, firing gunshots into the air.
When Edeh reportedly questioned the harassment of his customers, CSP Babayola allegedly ordered his arrest, despite being informed that Edeh was the business owner and a member of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
Edeh was allegedly beaten in public, sustained injuries to his limbs, had his phones seized, and was detained at the Bwari Police Station until the following day.
A serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mr. Chidiebere Ogenyi, who reportedly attempted to intervene, was also allegedly assaulted, beaten, and bundled into a police van alongside Edeh.
Springs Aid Foundation further accused the DPO of turning the Bwari Police Station into what it described as a “marketplace for bail,” where detainees’ relatives were allegedly compelled to negotiate payments starting from ₦50,000 for their release.
The group alleged that detainees unable to pay were subjected to prolonged detention in overcrowded, poorly ventilated cells, resulting in cases of fainting and medical emergencies.
The petition also accused CSP Babayola of routinely threatening civilians, physically assaulting detainees, and openly declaring himself “the warrant,” suggesting he was above the law.
The foundation demanded an impartial investigation and called on police authorities to hold the Bwari DPO accountable and initiate criminal proceedings against him.
It stated that it possesses video evidence documenting the alleged incidents but has withheld public release in the interest of public order, adding that it is willing to submit the materials to police authorities.
SaharaReporters gathered that the FCT Police Command has summoned both the DPO and the affected victims. However, sources alleged that there were attempts within the police hierarchy to suppress the investigation.
A source told SaharaReporters that the DPO had shown no remorse and was allegedly boasting that he had not been indicted, questioning how investigators could prove he fired the shot.
“They are planning to give the DPO a soft landing by absolving him of wrongdoing and allowing the matter to die quietly. He even hired fake traditional rulers and pastors to accompany him before the investigating team. Nobody in Bwari knows those people,” the source alleged.
Meanwhile, youths in Bwari have vowed to resist any attempt to downplay the investigation, insisting that justice must be served for the victims, particularly Mr. Emmanuel.
Residents of Bwari described CSP Babayola as a “notorious officer,” alleging a pattern of victimising and extorting youths by branding them as internet fraudsters and later securing their release after collecting large sums as bail.
As of the time of filing this report, the FCT Police Command had yet to issue an official response.
Efforts to reach the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful, as her mobile phone was switched off as of press time.