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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Stakeholders Demand Police Intervention Over Viral Operation at Ghanaian Investment in Abuja

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Stakeholders are urging Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate a viral video showing armed men, allegedly police officers, during an operation at a Ghanaian-owned investment in Abuja.
  • Concerns have been raised about the identity of the armed men, their authority, and the circumstances surrounding the operation at the Gallery Clubhouse.
  • Investors are seeking reassurance that Nigeria remains committed to the rule of law, fearing that the incident could deter foreign investment.

Stakeholders are calling for an urgent intervention from Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate a controversial operation captured in a viral video. The footage shows armed men, reportedly police officers, conducting an operation at the Gallery Clubhouse, a recreational facility owned by a Ghanaian investment firm in Abuja.

You canโ€™t video me without my permission. You are infringing on my rights. I am giving you a lawful order; stop videoing me.

โ€” Armed man (alleged police officer)The officer confronted a staff member who was filming the operation, asserting his rights and issuing a command to stop recording.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 29, has sparked widespread concern among investors and the public. Eyewitnesses allege that the armed individuals, possibly from the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), were acting without clear lawful authority. During the operation, part of the facility's entrance was reportedly excavated, and staff members were allegedly prevented from interfering or questioning the officers' mandate. A heated exchange was also captured, where an officer insisted filming the operation violated his rights.

We are calling on the Inspector-General of Police and the Federal Government to ensure that justice is done and that the law takes its full course.

โ€” Mr. Sajay OmagbemiAn eyewitness appealing to authorities for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Concerns are mounting that such incidents could undermine investor confidence in Nigeria. Mr. Sajay Omagbemi, an eyewitness, appealed to the IGP and the Federal Government to ensure a thorough investigation and justice, warning against any perception of hostility towards foreign investments. Stakeholders emphasize that a transparent probe is crucial to reassure both local and foreign investors about Nigeria's commitment to the rule of law and its reputation as a welcoming nation.

We do not want anything that could create the impression of hostility towards foreign investments or trigger xenophobic sentiments. Nigeria has always been known as a welcoming nation, and we must protect that reputation.

โ€” Mr. Sajay OmagbemiExpressing concern about the potential negative impact on Nigeria's image and its attractiveness to foreign investors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.