"On Thursday night, officers from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command successfully intervened in a violent protest that erupted following an alleged incident where a fashion designer was shot and killed by a Department of State Services (DSS) operative who fired intermittently, causing injuries to several individuals.

According to one of our sources, a customer had brought the DSS official to the victim's shop, alleging that the fashion designer had failed to deliver clothing as promised on an agreed-upon date.

Upon learning of the situation, some of the fashion designer's colleagues from the market intervened. However, their involvement escalated tensions and provoked a negative response from the DSS operative.

The DSS operative was subsequently apprehended and taken into police custody following the fatal shooting of the fashion designer."

"A female customer had accompanied the DSS operative to the fashion designer's shop, alleging that her clothing had not been sewn as requested. The situation escalated when her colleagues came to her defense, sparking a heated argument.

"Later, a gunshot was heard, and we discovered that the fashion designer had tragically lost his life, with another person sustaining injuries. The DSS operative was promptly apprehended and is currently in custody at the Wuse Market Police Station. Many in our community are now gathered there."

Addressing the situation in an official statement issued on Thursday, SP Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, stated, "On September 7, 2023, an altercation occurred at Garki International Market involving various individuals, including a DSS personnel and a tailor identified as Muhammad Habibu. In response to a distress call reporting the intrusion of these individuals, who fired shots at a tailor named Mubarak Mubarak, officers from the Garki Divisional Police station were promptly mobilized."

"This incident prompted a strong reaction from local youths who became agitated and sought to confront the DSS personnel involved. In response to this volatile situation, the police intervened to protect the individuals and ensure public safety. Regrettably, during the incident, some irate youths engaged in disorderly behavior, resulting in damage to a section of the Police outpost. It is worth noting that certain weapons used during the commotion have been recovered, and tranquility has been restored.

"Commissioner of Police, FCT, Haruna Garba, underscores the unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and upholding the rights of all citizens within the FCT. He encourages market occupants to abstain from engaging in activities that may harm public property, especially those belonging to the security agencies responsible for their safety. Furthermore, he urges the public to utilize police emergency lines (08061581938, 07057337653, 08028940883) for assistance when required.

"Conversely, the spokesperson for the DSS, Peter Afunanya, in a statement issued on Thursday, disclosed that the security agency is actively investigating the matter."

"The Department of State Services (DSS) acknowledges an incident that transpired a few hours ago involving its personnel and a crowd at Garki Market, Abuja. According to available information, the DSS's FCT Command responded to a distress call from their field operatives who reportedly faced an attack by a group within the mentioned market.

"In light of this development, the DSS has initiated an investigation into the incident. The public is assured that the findings of this inquiry will be promptly communicated. Furthermore, the DSS affirms its commitment to taking appropriate disciplinary actions against any staff member found to be in violation of established Standard Operating Procedures regarding interactions with the public."