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Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has banned night arrests across the state, ordering security operatives to follow due process.
Ododo issued the directive Monday while addressing first-class traditional rulers at the Government House in Lokoja.
“No arrest should be made in the night. If you have any case against anybody, wait till daytime, follow due process, invite the person lawfully,” the governor said.
“We will not allow our people to be harassed, intimidated or picked up like criminals in the middle of the night,” he added.
Ododo said the ban would protect citizens’ dignity and fundamental rights, stressing that security operations must be lawful and humane.
He urged traditional rulers to report security agents who violate the directive and assured them that his administration would not tolerate abuse of power.
The governor also warned residents who assist criminals with food, logistics or information, saying the state would not spare anyone caught aiding criminal groups.
“Our problem now is not foreigners. It is our own brothers and sisters supplying food, logistics and information to criminals in the bush,” Ododo said.
He specifically called on traditional rulers to caution wood-cutters suspected of supporting criminals.
“If you are caught aiding criminals, we will not spare you, even if you are my brother,” he warned.
Ododo said efforts to block supply routes and shut down compromised local markets were already pressuring criminals.
The governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Kogi with infrastructure and security funding.
He cited the reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin highway as evidence of the Nigerian Government’s support for the state.
Ododo also called for support for the Chief of Army Staff and praised traditional rulers for their role in maintaining peace across Kogi.
With political activities increasing before the forthcoming election, the governor urged monarchs to promote peace and discourage violence.
“We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. Campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogites,” he said.
He asked traditional rulers to remain neutral and work with community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections.
