SDP raises alarm over invasion of national secretariat in Abuja

The National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olu Agunloye, on Tuesday raised the alarm over the invasion of the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, alleging an attempt to cart away vital official documents.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by Dr. Agunloye, in which he disclosed that eight suspects were arrested by police operatives.

According to him, “On Monday, 28 July 2025, some aggressive intruders broke into the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja at about midday. They came armed with dangerous weapons and accompanied by armed men to burgle the building.

“They forcefully gained entry into the building and broke into various offices. However, the timely intervention of alert personnel from the Nigeria Police Force saved the situation. The police apprehended the intruders in possession of administrative documents, financial records, official stamps and seals, bank books, and other valuable office materials, which they had already removed and were loading into two vehicles.

“Four of the intruders were identified as Mr. Nuradeen Bissallah, Mr. Ambo Ekpeyong, Chief Phillip Odogwu, and Mr. Solsuema Osaro. A fifth individual, an unidentified male, was also arrested.

“They were taken into custody at the FCT Police Headquarters. Additionally, three other suspects—Mr. Abubakar Dogara, Mr. Adamu Modibbo, and Miss Judith Shuaibu—who initially fled the scene before the police could apprehend them, were later found hiding in an uncompleted building nearby. They were arrested by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

“These three were tracked for over three hours before being caught. It is suspected that they had already deposited stolen items from the SDP Secretariat in a hidden location prior to their arrest.

“All eight suspects have been detained in police custody and may be charged in court on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.

“The recovered stolen materials, along with the Toyota Corolla and Mercedes-Benz vehicles used to transport them, are currently in police custody.

“The seven men and one woman have provided useful statements to the police. Security personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force who were present at the Secretariat have also given statements.

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“It is noteworthy that this is the first time in the nearly 40-year history of the Social Democratic Party that lawless individuals, bullies, or outright ruffians who claim to be members of the party have attempted to attack the party, steal its documents and property, or seek to destroy or take it over for selfish gain. Some individuals involved in similar acts have previously been disciplined, suspended, expelled, or even barred from the party for up to 30 years. This is certainly an unwelcome development.”

Dr. Agunloye, however, assured party members and the public that the National Working Committee of the SDP remains committed to upholding high standards of social justice, equity, and integrity, and will continue to pursue consensus building for good governance and sustainable development for a better Nigeria.

When contacted for clarification on the incident, the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said: “I am not aware.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE