Bwari Youths Take to Streets Over Alleged Police Brutality, Demand Removal of Divisional Police Chief

Angry youths on Monday returned to the streets of Bwari in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), protesting what they described as police brutality and abuse of power by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Babayola Muhammad Musa.

The protesters are demanding the immediate removal and prosecution of the DPO following allegations that he opened fire on residents during New Year’s Eve celebrations and authorised actions that left at least two people seriously injured.

According to the demonstrators, a resident, Abraham Emmanuel, was hit by a tear gas canister allegedly fired by the DPO during the crossover night celebrations on December 31, 2025. They claim the incident caused a severe eye injury which, despite medical intervention, resulted in permanent loss of sight.

Another resident, identified as Tasiru, was also reportedly injured by live ammunition during the same incident and later travelled to Katsina State for further medical treatment.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Justice for Abraham,” “End Police Brutality,” and “DPO Musa Must Go,” the youths accused the DPO of being “trigger-happy” and routinely harassing residents of the area.

Chronicles Reporters gathered that more than 150 youths were allegedly arrested that night while celebrating the New Year. The protesters further claimed that many of those detained were forced to pay money for their release, presenting what they said were bank transfer receipts as evidence.

The demonstration follows an earlier report on January 21, 2026, which detailed similar allegations against the DPO, including unlawful arrests and excessive use of force.

Speaking anonymously, one of the protesters expressed fears that the ongoing police investigation might clear the DPO of any wrongdoing.

“We are here because one of our brothers lost his sight after teargas was fired at him. The officer involved is still in charge, and we are hearing that plans are being made to sweep this matter under the carpet,” the protester said.

The youths also complained of what they described as a long-standing pattern of intimidation, extortion, and harassment by police officers in Bwari, calling on the FCT Police Command to intervene decisively.

They warned that the protest would continue, including occupying the Bwari Police Station, until their demands for justice are met.