Police operatives have reportedly raided the residence of Lawal Mu’azu-Obah, a former aide to Niger State Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, in Minna.
The officers were said to have stormed the residence at about 1am on Monday and taken Mu’azu-Obah away.
The former aide was first taken to the Maitumbi Police Division before he was later moved to the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters in Minna.
The operatives were also alleged to have seized the mobile phones belonging to Mu’azu-Obah and his wife during the operation.
He was assaulted in the presence of his wife before he was taken away from the residence.
The reported arrest has drawn attention because of Mu’azu-Obah’s recent political activities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Mu’azu-Obah, who previously worked in the office of Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, has reportedly supported African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Dr Ibrahim Kuta in the contest for the Shiroro Constituency seat.
He was also said to have been involved in political mobilisation for Kuta ahead of the 2027 general election.
The reported arrest followed an APC political programme held in Kuta on Saturday.
During the event, some persons were said to have booed the ADC candidate and chanted “Bamuayi”, which means “We don’t like you”.
The incident caused a great tension among supporters of different political interests in the area.
Mu’azu-Obah’s arrest is currently being linked to the recent political activities, although the police have not confirmed that his support for Kuta was the reason for the operation.
He had previously defended the Niger State Government and Deputy Governor Garba while working in the deputy governor’s office.
He was also said to have recently shifted his political support towards Kuta’s ambition to represent Shiroro Constituency in the Niger State House of Assembly.
The former aide had also reportedly joined calls for the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Kuta’s political activities have continued to attract attention in Shiroro as the 2027 elections approach.
Earlier in August, Kuta and another ADC flag bearer, Samaila Ibrahim Datti Majelo, organised a five-day medical outreach across communities in Shiroro.
The programme provided medical treatment and free surgeries to residents in Gussoro and Zumba wards.
The outreach included treatment for conditions such as malaria, typhoid, hypertension and ulcers, as well as antenatal care and ultrasound services.
Residents of Shiroro have begun organising solidarity gatherings in support of Mu’azu-Obah, describing his detention as an attempt to silence opposition voices.
Local youth groups and ADC supporters plan peaceful protests, while community leaders urge the police to release him pending any formal charges, as political tensions continue to rise in the area.
When contacted on Monday, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun said he would verify the incident.
“Will verify please,” Abiodun said in a brief response.
The police spokesman did not confirm the reported arrest, the alleged seizure of the phones or the allegation that Mu’azu-Obah was assaulted.
Mu’azu-Obah was moved from Maitumbi Police Division to the CID headquarters in Minna after the operation at his residence.
