PREMIUM TIMES
On Sunday, 14 July, a team of 10 police officers and some masked vigilantes led by a divisional police officer (DPO), Hamza Galadima, raided Vima Hotel, located on First Avenue, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja.
During the operation, which began at about 11.30 p.m., the police officers, without any warrant, allegedly broke into the rooms and assaulted guests. At least ten persons were reported injured in the incident.
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According to a hotel staff member, the police officers arrived in three cars, one conveying Mr Galadima.
“It was around 11:30 p.m. when these guys came in. I thought it was even an armed robbery case. So, I took cover with three of our staff. I think they came there three times during that process. The first time they flashed their torchlight, I heard one of the vigilantes say in Hausa that they were not there,” the hotel’s Human Resources Manager, Suleiman Lateef, told PREMIUM TIMES.
“We were still in hiding for over an hour when our receptionist came to tell us that they were police and the vigilante. Not quite long we started hearing people screaming and shouting.
“They raided eight of our staff and even three lawyers that came there to watch football. They broke our entrance door, which was a security door.”
PREMIUM TIMES obtained the CCTV footage of the incident online.
Mr Suleiman said the police officers took away some drinks from the hotel.
“I don’t know how much has been spent so far, but I am aware that the police stole our wines and drinks. They went to the customers’ rooms and packed about 20 of our wines. We saw them packing our wines into the boot of a car.” Mr Suleiman said.
Victims’ ordeals
One of the guests, Ibrahim Kilaso, said the police and the vigilantes burst into his room and arrested him.
“These people in masks came in. We later confirmed they were vigilantes led by the police. They dragged me out naked.
“We came from far distance with my friends and my sister, from Nasarawa, Kaduna and other places. I was inside the room with my female friend,” Mr Kilaso said.
He added that he witnessed how the hotel manager was beaten and wounded in the hands and waist.
Maryann Maha was celebrating her birthday at the hotel when the police came. She also narrated her experience.
“We were celebrating our birthday, I and my twin brother. The police officers came in, breaking doors. I was even bathing when they came in. I had to cover myself up quickly.
“The masked guys pushed me outside, and we were all lined up, along with the hotel staff. We were asked to sit down on the floor like criminals.
“Anyone who asked the police the reason for the arrest was mercilessly beaten, including my twin brother. There was a particular officer who they called Jagaban. He was the one who beat everyone,” she said.
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