A Federal High Court in Abuja has been petitioned to enforce the fundamental human rights of a barber, Abraham Emmanuel, who allegedly lost his left eye after being struck by a tear gas canister fired by police officers during the 2025/2026 New Year crossover operations in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/256/2026, was filed against the Nigeria Police Force and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bwari Division, CSP Babayola Muhammad Musa.
Background of the Incident
According to court documents, the applicant is seeking a declaration that the alleged firing of tear gas in front of his father’s residence along Sabon Gari Road, Bwari, on December 31, 2025, was unlawful, illegal, null, and void. The applicant, through his counsel, Anthony Idanosi Eruaga Esq., contended that he committed no offence known to law before the incident that allegedly resulted in the permanent damage to his eye.
The Suit
The suit was brought pursuant to the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, Sections 35, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Articles 5, 6, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In the originating motion, the applicant is demanding N1 billion in damages against the respondents over the alleged violation of his fundamental rights. He is also seeking a written apology from the Nigeria Police Force and CSP Babayola Muhammad Musa.
Allegations of Police Misconduct
The applicant alleged that on the night of December 31, 2025, police officers attached to the Bwari Division carried out a raid targeting churchgoers, fun seekers, and shop owners during crossover activities into the New Year. The operation allegedly involved the sporadic firing of tear gas and gunshots into the air, creating panic within the area. The applicant maintained that the tear gas canister allegedly fired during the operation struck him and caused severe injury to his left eye.
Court Proceedings
After the case was mentioned, the presiding judge, Justice Yilwa Hauwa Joseph, adjourned the matter to September 25, 2026, for hearing. Addressing journalists after the court proceedings, the President of Springs Aid Foundation, Comrade Chima Kenneth Emeka, condemned the continued silence of the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of professional misconduct against the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bwari Division, CSP Babayola Mohammed Musa.
Calls for Accountability
Chima said the foundation had, from the inception of the matter, written several petitions to the Commissioner of Police, the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), demanding action over the alleged abuses. According to him, another petition was submitted on March 3, 2026, to the current IGP, yet no concrete action has been taken. He noted that residents and youths in Bwari had earlier staged protests against the alleged misconduct of the DPO, accusing him of abuse of office and professional misconduct.
Conclusion
The alleged police brutality and misconduct have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for accountability and justice. The case of Abraham Emmanuel is a stark reminder of the need for the Nigeria Police Force to demonstrate commitment to ending impunity within the force. As the case awaits hearing, it remains to be seen whether justice will be served and the fundamental human rights of the applicant will be enforced.
