A barber based in Abuja, Abraham Emmanuel, has filed a ₦1 billion lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bwari Division, CSP Babayola Muhammad Musa, after allegedly losing his left eye following an incident involving a tear gas canister during a New Year crossover operation.
The case, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/256/2026, seeks the enforcement of Emmanuel’s fundamental human rights after he claimed he sustained permanent injury during a police operation conducted on December 31, 2025, in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to court documents, Emmanuel alleged that police officers from the Bwari Division carried out an operation during crossover night that targeted churchgoers, fun seekers, and shop owners in the area. He claimed that officers fired tear gas canisters and gunshots into the air, causing panic and confusion.
Emmanuel stated that one of the tear gas canisters allegedly struck him in the left eye while he was in front of his father’s residence along Sabon Gari Road in Bwari, resulting in severe injury and permanent damage.
Through his lawyer, Anthony Idanosi Eruaga Esq., Emmanuel approached the court under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, citing Sections 35, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 5, 6, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The applicant is asking the court to declare the alleged firing of tear gas in the area unlawful, illegal, null, and void, arguing that he committed no offence before the incident occurred.
In addition to the ₦1 billion damages claim, Emmanuel is also demanding a written apology from the Nigeria Police Force and the Bwari DPO for the alleged violation of his rights.
Court filings further alleged that more than 90 individuals were arrested during the operation in a manner said to be inconsistent with legal procedures.
The matter came up before Justice Yilwa Hauwa Joseph, who adjourned the case until September 25, 2026, for hearing.
Reacting after the court session, President of Springs Aid Foundation, Comrade Chima Kenneth Emeka, criticized what he described as the continued silence of the Nigeria Police Force over repeated allegations of misconduct involving CSP Babayola Muhammad Musa.
According to Chima, several petitions had been submitted to the Commissioner of Police, the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police since the incident occurred. He disclosed that another petition was forwarded to the current Inspector-General of Police on March 3, 2026, but claimed no visible action had followed
“It is shocking that up till this moment, no action has been taken by the Nigerian Police Force. The continued silence of the police hierarchy undermines public confidence in the institution and exposes serious lapses in institutional accountability,” he said.
Chima also recalled that residents and youths in Bwari had previously protested against the DPO over allegations of abuse of office, adding that the Area Commander, ACP Fatima, had reportedly assured demonstrators that investigations would be conducted.
“Four months after that assurance, justice has still not been served for Abraham and several other victims,” he stated.
The activist further linked the officer to other alleged cases of misconduct, including the death of Emmanuel Okpe after an encounter with police, as well as allegations involving individuals identified as Tasiu and Thompson Edeh.
He also alleged that multiple complaints and evidence relating to extortion had previously been submitted to authorities without response.
According to him, the decision to seek legal action became necessary due to what he described as institutional silence.
“If they cannot give us justice, then we will take justice to their doorstep through lawful means,” he said.
He further called on the Inspector-General of Police to demonstrate a stronger commitment to accountability within the Police force.
“The IGP has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the era of impunity is over. Justice must not only be done, it must also be seen to be done,” he added.
The case has continued to draw attention to concerns surrounding police accountability and allegations of misconduct within the Federal Capital Territory.
