The Nigeria Police Force reportedly raided the residence of Lawal Mu’azu-Obah, a former aide to Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, in the early hours of Monday.
According to a report published by Sahara Reporters, the operation allegedly took place at about 1 a.m., with police officers reportedly arresting Mu’azu-Obah and taking him first to the Maitumbi Police Division in Minna before transferring him to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters.
The report further alleged that officers confiscated mobile phones belonging to Mu’azu-Obah and his wife during the operation.
A source cited in the report claimed that Mu’azu-Obah was allegedly assaulted during the raid in the presence of his wife. However, the allegation of assault could not be independently verified.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest are reportedly linked to Mu’azu-Obah’s recent political activities. He is said to have been supporting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Shiroro Constituency seat, Dr Ibrahim Kuta.
Mu’azu-Obah previously served in the Office of the Deputy Governor, where he was involved in defending the deputy governor and the Niger State Government.
However, according to the report, he has recently become involved in political activities supporting the opposition candidate and has also been calling for the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The arrest reportedly followed an All Progressives Congress (APC) political programme held in Kuta on Saturday. The event allegedly witnessed some opposition from members of the audience towards the ADC candidate.
The source claimed that the development may have contributed to tensions surrounding Mu’azu-Obah’s subsequent arrest, although the connection has not been officially established.
When contacted about the incident, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, reportedly said he would verify the information before providing an official response.
The police have therefore not, at the time of reporting, publicly confirmed the allegations of assault or provided details of the reason for Mu’azu-Obah’s arrest.
The development has generated concern because of the reported timing of the operation and allegations concerning the treatment of the former political aide.
Political activities have intensified across Niger State and other parts of the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and supporters of different parties increasingly engaging in mobilisation and campaign activities.
The reported arrest is therefore likely to attract further attention as political parties prepare for the forthcoming elections.
Authorities are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest and state whether Mu’azu-Obah is being investigated for any specific offence.
For now, the allegations remain unverified, and no conclusion of wrongdoing has been established against the former aide.
Further information is expected from the Niger State Police Command as it completes its verification of the incident.
