A troubling incident involving the wife of a Nigerian senator has sparked outrage after she allegedly ordered the police to arrest and torture a skit-maker who criticized her husband’s handling of local infrastructure and health services.
Nafiu Hassan, a skit-maker known for addressing social issues, had posted a video in which he lamented the poor state of roads and healthcare facilities in Taraba North Senatorial District, which is represented by Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau. Hassan’s video, where he described the dilapidated roads as “killing zones,” caught the attention of Hajia Fatima Lau, the senator’s wife.
According to sources, the incident unfolded last Wednesday when Hassan, who was passing through the Senator’s street in Jalingo, was spotted by Mrs. Lau. She reportedly became enraged upon recognizing him as the creator of the video, accusing him of “cyberstalking” and “criminal character assassination.”
Hajia Lau is said to have immediately called the police, who were traveling in her convoy, to arrest Hassan. Sources claim that Hassan was detained and tortured by the police, who allegedly beat him before transporting him to the GRA Division in Jalingo. Despite his detention, Hassan was denied bail, and he remained in custody until his release on Sunday.
This incident is not the first time the senator’s wife has reportedly used her influence to have individuals detained. Sources suggest that she has been involved in multiple previous cases of alleged mistreatment, including a situation where a boy was detained for weeks after accidentally touching a vehicle in her convoy. There have also been reports of soldiers being deployed to assault individuals on her orders.
Efforts to reach Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau for comment on the matter were unsuccessful, with the lawmaker not responding to calls or text messages.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of abuse of power and political influence in Nigeria, raising concerns about the protection of citizens’ rights and the consequences of speaking out against public officials.
This case follows a similar high-profile incident involving a Nigerian lawmaker, Alex Ikwechegh, who was filmed assaulting a driver. Ikwechegh later issued a public apology, acknowledging his misconduct.
The arrest and alleged mistreatment of Nafiu Hassan have sparked public outcry, with many calling for greater accountability for public officials and their families.
