The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended Deputy Superintendent Onoja Babayo Samuel following an incident at Kubwa Market in Abuja. On October 25, 2026, Samuel allegedly fired shots into the air during a confrontation with traders. This led to his arrest by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command. The NSCDC stated that Samuel's actions violated the corps' rules of engagement and standard operating procedures.
The suspension was announced by the NSCDC's National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi. According to Afolabi, the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, directed the immediate suspension of Samuel and ordered an Orderly Room Trial to determine his culpability. The trial will be conducted by a committee at the NSCDC's national headquarters in Abuja. Samuel has been stripped of his official responsibilities and relieved of his assignment pending the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings.
The incident occurred when Samuel went to the market with a pistol after reports that some traders had assaulted his wife. Police operatives were deployed to the scene, where they disarmed and arrested him. The FCT Police Command had received a distress call reporting an armed man firing shots into the air at the market. The police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that Samuel was arrested and taken into custody.
The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining professional standards. The corps warned that it would not tolerate or shield any officer whose actions endangered public safety or violated operational guidelines. The outcome of the Orderly Room Trial and internal disciplinary process will be made public upon conclusion. This incident highlights the need for security personnel to adhere to their rules of engagement and standard operating procedures.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, maintains zero tolerance for misuse of firearms or any form of professional misconduct. In line with this, Samuel's suspension and trial aim to uphold the corps' standards and ensure accountability. The NSCDC's decision to suspend Samuel and conduct an Orderly Room Trial demonstrates its commitment to internal discipline and public safety.
Solomon Odeniyi, a journalist at Punch Newspapers, reported that Samuel has over six years of professional experience covering key national beats, including the judiciary, military, and police. His work reflects a strong commitment to development-oriented reporting, public interest journalism, and accountability. The incident at Kubwa Market has raised concerns about the use of firearms by security personnel and the need for accountability.
The NSCDC's actions in this incident demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability. By suspending Samuel and conducting an Orderly Room Trial, the corps is showing that it will not tolerate misconduct by its personnel. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security personnel adhering to their rules of engagement and standard operating procedures to ensure public safety.
Key points
- Deputy Superintendent Onoja Babayo Samuel was suspended for allegedly firing shots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.
