Two Dead As Policemen Shoot At Nasarawa Protesters Over Supreme Court Ruling On Governorship Poll

Some residents were reportedly shot at on Friday when they clashed with operatives of the Nigeria Police force during a protest in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The Nasarawa State Police Command operatives, who were drafted to disperse the protest, in the process were said to have shot some protesters.

Witnesses said two of the protesters died the hospital, but SaharaReporters could not ascertain the number of casualties.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that some residents had stormed the streets of Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, to protest against the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement that affirmed the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule.

One of the roads blocked by protesters is the Lafia-Jos Road where they burnt tyres and chanted anti-government slogans.

It was learnt that shops, business centres and schools within the area were hurriedly closed to protect lives and property.

SaharaReporters had reported that the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday upheld the election of Abdullahi Sule as the Governor of Nasarawa State.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in the lead judgment, resolved all the issues identified for determination, against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, David Ombugadu.

The court therefore dismissed their appeal.

One Tonye Barcanista, who shared some photographs in a post on X said titled, ‘Protest breaks out in Nasarawa state over miscarriage of Justice ⚖️ by the Supreme Court,’ lamented, “It is unfortunate that the judicial reforms initiated by President Umaru Musa Yar’adua administration, and carried on by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan government has been left to deteriorate by their successors, Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“A big judicial heist happened four years ago in Imo state, two bigger electoral fraud happened in 2023 in Nasarawa and Ogun States, both have been worn the garment of legality by the Supreme Court – unfortunately. May God protect the common man.”

 

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Nasarawa State Police Command signed a peace agreement with the leaders of the PDP and the APC in the state ahead of the Supreme Court judgment.

 

Last Thursday, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that there was disquiet in the opposition camp in Nasarawa State over the composition of the Supreme Court panel which would hear the governorship election case.