A human rights activist and citizen journalist, Manasseh Bem Paul, has accused operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command of unlawfully arresting and brutalising him in alleged collaboration with the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Jibrin Giri, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chairmanship Candidate, Hon. Ezekiel Zezelaga.
According to eyewitness accounts, armed policemen reportedly stormed the activist’s residence in Gwagwalada in the early hours of Thursday, accompanied by Hon. Zezelaga. Paul was said to have been whisked away in Zezelaga’s vehicle and taken to the residence of the Area Council Chairman, where he was allegedly threatened and assaulted.
Sources revealed that both politicians accused the activist of defamation following his recent publications exposing alleged irregularities in contract awards by the Gwagwalada Area Council. The reports also claimed that Zezelaga had acquired several questionable properties linked to the council administration.
The activist, known for his advocacy for transparency and accountability in local governance, managed to post an update on Facebook moments before his detention, stating:
“I have been arrested by APGA candidate Ezekiel. Heading to Gwagwalada Police Command.”
Reports indicate that Paul was later detained at the Gwagwalada Police Division, where he was allegedly beaten by officers. His legal representatives, led by Barr. Abubakar Marshal and Barr. Grace, were reportedly denied access to him and prevented from processing his bail.
As of press time, the FCT Police Command and the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman had yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident.
Observers have since condemned the alleged abuse of power, urging authorities to ensure due process and uphold the constitutional rights of citizens advocating for transparency in governance.
