The protesters accused the DPO of being trigger-happy and abusing his office, alleging that he personally opened fire on residents during celebrations on the night of December 31, 2025.
Angry youths on Monday staged another protest in Bwari, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), demanding the immediate removal and prosecution of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Babayola Muhammad Musa, over the alleged shooting of residents on New Year’s Eve.
The DPO was also accused of firing a tear gas canister at a resident, Abraham Emmanuel, which reportedly left him blind.
The protesters accused the DPO of being trigger-happy and abusing his office, alleging that he personally opened fire on residents during celebrations on the night of December 31, 2025.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Justice for Abraham,” “End Police Brutality,” “DPO Musa Must Go,” and “Say No to Police Oppression in Bwari,” the youths demanded justice for the victim and accountability from the police authorities.
SaharaReporters had on January 21, 2026, reported how the DPO was accused of firing shots and ordering the arrest of over 150 youths who were celebrating the crossover into the New Year in Bwari.
Emmanuel was reportedly struck in the eye by a tear gas canister, causing severe bleeding. Although he underwent surgery, the injury is said to have resulted in permanent damage and ultimately the removal of the eye.
Another victim, identified as Tasiru, was said to have been hit by live ammunition and rushed to a hospital before later travelling to his hometown in Katsina State for further medical treatment.
The protesters warned the FCT Police Command against what they described as attempts to downplay or suppress the case, vowing to continue their agitation until justice is served.
One of the protesters who spoke on condition of anonymity, told SaharaReporters that information reaching the youths suggested that police authorities were planning to exonerate the DPO in the ongoing investigation into the matter.
“The Bwari youths have come together this morning to demand justice for one of us who lost his eye after the DPO fired teargas at him on crossover night. The DPO is still in office, and we have information that plans are underway to absolve him of any wrongdoing,” the protester said.
The youths also lamented what they described as persistent high-handedness, brutality, extortion, and harassment by police officers in Bwari Area Council, insisting that such practices must end immediately.
They further accused the DPO of collecting money from over 150 youths arrested on crossover night under the guise of bail.
According to them, victims have provided evidence of bank transfer receipts allegedly made before their release from custody.
The protesters vowed to sustain the demonstration and occupy the Bwari Police Station until their demands, including justice for the victims and the removal of the DPO, are met.