RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended a Deputy Superintendent of Corps, Onoja Babayo Samuel, over allegations that he fired gunshots during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.
The corps has also ordered an Orderly Room Trial and internal disciplinary proceedings to determine the officer’s culpability in the incident, which occurred on October 25, 2026.
The suspension was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi.
According to the statement, the Commandant-General of the corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the officer’s immediate suspension following his arrest by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
The NSCDC described the alleged conduct as a serious violation of its rules of engagement and standard operating procedures governing the use of firearms.
The agency said Samuel had been relieved of his official duties and stripped of his responsibilities pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.
A committee at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja is expected to examine the incident and determine whether further disciplinary sanctions are necessary.
The development followed an earlier announcement by the FCT Police Command confirming the officer’s arrest.
Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Kubwa Police Division received a distress call at approximately 1:50 p.m. on October 25, reporting that an armed man was firing shots into the air at a market.
Officers dispatched to the location reportedly disarmed and arrested the suspect.
Preliminary police investigations indicated that Samuel had gone to the market carrying a pistol after receiving information that some traders had allegedly assaulted his wife.
According to the police, an argument subsequently developed between the officer and the traders, during which he allegedly discharged several rounds into the air.
The police said a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were recovered during the arrest.
Adeh confirmed that the suspect remained in police custody and could face prosecution following the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged personnel of other security agencies to exercise restraint and maintain proper coordination with the police during operations.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, maintaining professional standards and ensuring accountability among its personnel.
It assured the public that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings would be disclosed when investigations were concluded.
The allegations against Samuel remain subject to investigation and the appropriate legal and disciplinary processes.
