Chaos At Abuja Hospital As Police Attempt Arrest Of Patient Under Treatment

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force reportedly stormed a private hospital in Abuja on Tuesday evening, attempting to arrest a patient receiving treatment for severe health complications, despite the existence of a court order prohibiting such action. According to Ireporter Online, the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on February 17, 2026, involving Akpa Achema Stephen, who had been hospitalised following complications reportedly linked to his detention.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that armed policemen insisted on arresting Stephen, even after being informed that a valid High Court order from Bauchi State barred any enforcement action against him. The restraining order, issued on February 16, 2026, under Suit No. BA/148/2026 by Justice M.M. Abubakar, directed the police and other security agencies to immediately release Stephen, who had spent 15 days in detention despite deteriorating health. The order also prohibited the respondents, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director of the State Security Service, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, from harassing, detaining, or torturing him pending further proceedings scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Medical records from TCL Tannjes Clinics Limited, dated February 10, 2026, confirmed that Stephen, 31, was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and peptic ulcer disease. The report indicated that he was brought from police detention with serious complaints, including bloody stool, and recommended urgent psychiatric and gastroenterological evaluations to stabilise his condition. Hospital staff reportedly warned officers that removing Stephen from treatment could endanger his life, but sources said the police allegedly ignored these warnings, creating panic within the facility.

Human rights lawyer Marshal Abubakar condemned the attempted arrest, emphasizing that any action violating the court order would be unlawful and could have serious consequences. “The right to life of the inpatient must be respected as only a person that is alive can stand trial,” he stated, adding that police leadership should be held accountable for any harm to the patient.