Nigeria: Who's Really in Charge of Law, Order in Apo?' Tyre Dealers Question Police Over Market Violence

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Vanguard report from Abuja dated July 23, 2026, reported that the Abuja Automobile Tyre Dealers’ Association has publicly accused the Nigeria Police Force of not doing enough to stop recurring violence at Apo Tyre Market in the Federal Capital Territory. The association appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and other authorities to intervene, saying traders have faced attacks, property damage and fear despite petitions to police.

Speaking to journalists, association secretary Arinze Okoye linked the unrest to a leadership dispute involving former chairman Chimezie Ifeh. According to Okoye, Ifeh was elected in 2016 for a three-year term but remained until 2022, when a caretaker process led to the election of current chairman Samuel Akah. The association alleged Ifeh rejected the transition, formed a rival body with a similar name and failed to account for assets allegedly sold during his tenure. These claims were presented by the traders; the report did not include responses from Ifeh, the police or the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The traders alleged several violent incidents, including an attack on a monthly meeting on November 4, 2025, and a July 9, 2026 clash during collection of dues for the family of a deceased member. They said people were injured, businesses were disrupted and tyres were burned on the Apo expressway. Okoye also accused the Apo Divisional Police Officer of ignoring petitions and failing to arrest suspects named by the association.

The association said it wants police action, an investigation of officers accused of inaction, and scrutiny of the alleged parallel association. The dispute matters because Apo Tyre Market is a commercial hub for vehicle-related goods in Abuja, and prolonged insecurity could affect traders, customers and traffic around the area.