Kogi: Governor Ododo Bans Night Arrests, Orders Security Agencies To Comply

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed security agencies operating in the state to stop making arrests at night, warning against the invasion of residents’ homes under the cover of darkness.

According to Ireporter Online, the governor issued the directive while addressing first-class traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja.

Ododo said security operatives who have cases against individuals should wait until daytime and follow lawful procedures before making arrests.

He stressed that residents must not be subjected to harassment, intimidation or arbitrary arrests, insisting that security operations should respect the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens.

The governor also urged traditional rulers to report any security personnel who violate the directive, assuring them that his administration would not tolerate abuse of power.

During the meeting, Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as significant support for Kogi State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security funding and the timely release of allocations to enable the state government to meet its obligations.

He cited the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin Highway as one of the projects demonstrating the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

The governor also praised the President for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and for supporting local security initiatives in Kogi, which he said had contributed to improved security in several communities.

Ododo called for greater support for the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, stressing that security personnel also require the backing of citizens and community leaders to effectively perform their duties.

He thanked the traditional rulers for their contributions to maintaining peace in the state, noting that some had supported security efforts through prayers, guidance and personal resources.

However, the governor warned that some residents were allegedly aiding criminal groups by providing them with food, logistics and information.

He particularly called on traditional rulers to caution wood-cutters and other groups whose activities could potentially facilitate the operations of criminals in forest areas.

Ododo warned that anyone found assisting criminals would face the consequences, regardless of their relationship with those in authority.

He said the state’s strategy of disrupting supply routes and closing markets allegedly being used to support criminal activities was already putting pressure on criminal elements.

The governor also urged traditional rulers to play an active role in promoting peace as political activities gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming elections.

He appealed to them to discourage their subjects from engaging in political violence, intimidation, thuggery or other activities capable of disrupting the peace of the state.

Ododo maintained that political campaigns should focus on issues rather than religion or ethnicity, stressing that all residents of the state share a common identity as Kogites.

He further urged traditional rulers to remain neutral advocates for peace and prevent their communities from being used as platforms for violence before, during or after the elections.