Instead make fireworks and shouting of “Happy New Year” fill the air for Bwari Area Council that night, na alleged tear gas, panic and confusion reportedly take over the environment. One Abuja barber, Abraham Emmanuel, now claims say the crossover operation conducted by police officers on December 31, 2025, changed him life permanently after a tear gas canister allegedly damaged one of him eyes. The matter don now turn serious legal battle as the barber drags the Nigeria Police Force and a Divisional Police Officer before Federal High Court for Abuja, demanding N1 billion compensation.
The case quickly catch public attention because many Nigerians don begin ask whether security operations during celebrations dey slowly resemble crowd-control experiments wey forget say civilians no be enemy soldiers. For social media, some people joke say residents only wanted to “cross over into 2026,” not cross over enter emergency ward. But behind the cruise and memes, the allegations inside the court documents serious well-well.
Tear Gas Night Turn Celebration To Emergency
According to documents filed before the Federal High Court, Emmanuel allege say police officers from Bwari Division dey fire tear gas and gunshots into the air during raids targeting churchgoers, nightlife visitors and shop owners celebrating crossover night. The barber claim say the canister hit him while he dey outside him father’s house along Sabon Gari Road. The injury allegedly caused permanent blindness for one eye.
Through him lawyer, Anthony Idanosi Eruaga, Emmanuel insist say he no commit any offence before the incident happen. The suit also argue say the police action violated him fundamental human rights, including freedom of movement and personal liberty. Court filings further allege say more than 90 people were arrested during the operation without proper legal procedure, raising fresh concerns about how some security operations for urban areas dey managed.
The barber no only want financial compensation. He also dey request official apology from the Nigeria Police Force and the DPO of Bwari Division. Legal observers say cases involving crowd-control injuries and alleged excessive force don become more common for Nigeria in recent years, especially during protests, raids and large public gatherings.
Tear Gas Debate Open Fresh Questions About Police Tactics
The incident don also revive wider conversations around police accountability and operational methods during public events. Human rights groups and civic organisations for Nigeria have repeatedly raised concerns over alleged misuse of force during crowd dispersal operations. Activists argue say tear gas canisters, though classified as non-lethal tools, can still cause severe injuries or death when improperly fired at close range or directly at civilians.
President of Springs Aid Foundation, Comrade Chima Kenneth Emeka, reportedly criticised police authorities for allegedly ignoring several petitions sent to the Commissioner of Police, Police Service Commission and Inspector-General of Police concerning the matter. According to advocacy groups, delayed responses from authorities often push victims toward lengthy court battles before investigations begin.
Meanwhile, legal experts note say Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure cases like this one usually attract public attention because they test whether security agencies properly balance law enforcement with citizens’ constitutional rights. Justice Yilwa Hauwa Joseph don adjourn the matter till September 25, 2026, meaning the courtroom drama still get long road ahead.
For now, the Tear Gas controversy continue spread across Abuja and social media, as Nigerians dey debate whether the operation was necessary force or unnecessary chaos. One thing clear be say, for Abraham Emmanuel, crossover night no end with fireworks and celebration. E end with hospital treatment, court papers and one question many residents still dey ask: when security operation start, who exactly dey safe?
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