NSCDC SUSPENDS OFFICER OVER ALLEGED SHOOTING AT KUBWA MARKET

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has suspended Deputy Superintendent Onoja Babayo Samuel following allegations that he fired shots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.

The officer, who was arrested by the FCT Police Command, will face an internal disciplinary hearing to determine his responsibility for the October 25 incident.

NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi announced the suspension in a statement issued at the weekend.

According to eyewitness accounts cited in the report, the confrontation began after a female acquaintance of the officer argued with a butcher. Samuel reportedly intervened, and the situation escalated when some men allegedly attempted to manhandle him.

Witnesses claimed he then fired into the air to disperse those confronting him. That account remains subject to investigation.

The corps condemned the alleged discharge of the firearm, describing it as a breach of its rules of engagement and standard operating procedures.

Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi ordered Samuel’s immediate suspension and removal from all official duties pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.

The hearing will be handled by a committee at the corps’ national headquarters in Abuja, with the outcome to be made public.

Audi assured residents that the NSCDC would not shield personnel whose conduct endangered public safety or violated operational guidelines.