By Omoniyi David
Residents of Katampe Extension, Abuja, were thrown into panic on Wednesday when thugs accompanied by armed policemen allegedly stormed the district, arresting gatekeepers and leaving several homes unsecured.
The Katampe Extension Residents Association accused the Bwari Area Council of masterminding the “unlawful and dangerous operation” under the guise of enforcing payment for radio and television licences.
In a statement, the association’s president, Mohammed Gimba, described the raid as “bizarre,” alleging that private security guards and house helps were randomly arrested without cause.
He said the action violated their fundamental rights and amounted to “impunity taken too far.”
Gimba argued that the issue of radio and TV licence fees was a civil matter already under legal challenge, noting that Katampe Extension falls under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), not Bwari. He also queried why levies were being directed into a private company’s account.
He urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Judicial Service Commission to intervene urgently to avert a breakdown of law and order and halt what he described as harassment and attempted extortion.
However, the lawyer representing Bwari Area Council, Sunday Anierobi, maintained that the operation was lawful and executed “based on court orders.”
