A barber, Abraham Emmanuel, has dragged the Nigeria Police Force and the Divisional Police Officer of Bwari Division, CSP Babayola Muhammad Musa, before a Federal High Court in Abuja after allegedly losing his left eye during a police operation on New Year’s Eve.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/256/2026, Emmanuel alleged that he was hit by a tear gas canister reportedly fired by police officers during crossover operations in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory on December 31, 2025.
According to court documents, the incident occurred in front of his father’s residence along Sabon Gari Road, where officers were allegedly firing tear gas and gunshots into the air during an operation targeting churchgoers, fun seekers, and shop owners celebrating the New Year.
The applicant, through his lawyer, Anthony Idanosi Eruaga, maintained that he committed no offence prior to the incident, which he said left him permanently blind in one eye.
Emmanuel is asking the court to declare the actions of the police unlawful and is seeking N1 billion in damages for alleged violations of his fundamental rights. He is also demanding a written apology from the Nigeria Police Force and the DPO.
Court filings further alleged that more than 90 persons were arrested during the operation without due process.
The suit, filed under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, accused the police of violating Emmanuel’s rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.
Justice Yilwa Hauwa Joseph adjourned the matter until September 25, 2026, for hearing.
Meanwhile, the President of Springs Aid Foundation, Comrade Chima Kenneth Emeka, criticised the police for allegedly failing to respond to several petitions sent to the Commissioner of Police, the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police over the incident.
