There was tension at the Garki International Market of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Thursday night as an officer of the Department of State Services allegedly killed a fashion designer, identified as Muhammad Habibu and injured several other people.
It took men of the FCT Police Command to disperse violent protest who were already occupying the streets of Abuja.
It was said that the DSS agent was invited to the area by an angry customer that experienced a breach of agreement by the deceased fashion designer.
Speaking anonymously on the development, a trader in the market, disclosed that some fashion designers had early tired to resolve the issue amicably but the DSS agent rejected their attempts.
However, the trader said the police in the state arrested and detained the suspect for shooting and killing the fashion designer.
She said, “A female customer of the fashion designer brought the DSS. She said the fashion designer did not sew her clothes. Her colleagues joined and defended her. The issue led to a serious argument.
“We later heard a gunshot and learnt that the fashion designer had been killed and another injured. The DSS personnel was arrested and detained at Wuse Market Police station. That is where all our people are now.”
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The spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, while reacting to the incident, disclosed that it happened on September 7, after an altercation between the DSS and Habibu, the tailor.
Adeh said the Garki Divisional Police station mobilized officers in response to a received distress call reporting the violence in the market.
“This incident led to some of the local youths reacting angrily and attempting to confront the DSS personnel involved. In response, the police intervened to rescue the individuals and protect public safety. During the incident, there was damage to a section of the Police outpost as some of the irate youths acted in a disorderly manner. It is important to note that some weapons used in the commotion have been recovered, and normalcy has now been restored.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT, Haruna Garba, emphasizes the commitment to maintaining peace and respecting the rights of all citizens within the FCT. He encourages market occupants to also refrain from engaging in mischief involving public property, especially that which belongs to the security agencies in place to safeguard their well-being. Additionally, he urges the public to utilize the police emergency lines 08061581938,07057337653, 08028940883, for assistance when needed.”
Responding to questions on the matter, the spokesperson for the DSS, Peter Afunanya, said the secret police was investigating the matter.
“The attention of the Department of State Services has been drawn to an incident that occurred a few hours ago between its staff and a mob at the Garki Market, Abuja. Information at the disposal of the Service was that its FCT Command responded to an SOS from their field operatives who allegedly came under a mob attack in the said market.
“Consequently, the Service has commenced an investigation into the matter. The public is assured that details of the inquiries will be communicated as soon as possible. The Service assures that it will not hesitate to mete out a proper disciplinary measure(s) to its staff if found culpable or running foul of Standard Operating Procedures on dealing with a member of the public.”