“No Arrest Should Be Made In The Night” — Gov Ododo Bans Security Agencies From Invading Homes, Picking Residents At Night In Kogi

Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has banned night arrests across the state, directing security agencies to desist from invading homes and apprehending residents at night.

Ododo gave the directive on Monday in Lokoja while addressing first-class traditional rulers in the state.

“No arrest should be made in the night. If you have any case against anybody, wait till daytime, follow due process and invite the person lawfully.

“We will not allow our people to be harassed, intimidated or picked up like criminals in the middle of the night,” he said.

The governor said the directive was aimed at protecting the dignity and fundamental rights of citizens, adding that security operations must be civil, lawful and humane.

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

Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for his support to Kogi and other parts of the country, particularly in infrastructure, security and timely release of federal allocations, describing the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin highway as evidence of commitment to infrastructure development.

He also appreciated the traditional rulers for their contributions to peace and security, noting that some had supported security operations through prayers, guidance and personal resources.

He warned against local collaboration with criminals, particularly provision of food, logistics and information to criminal elements operating in the bush, specifically cautioning woodcutters.

“If you are caught aiding criminals, we will not spare you, even if you are my brother,” he warned, saying measures to block criminals’ supply routes and shut down compromised markets were already yielding results.

On politics ahead of forthcoming general elections, Ododo urged traditional rulers to promote peace, tolerance and issue-based campaigns, remain neutral peace advocates and work with community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to prevent thuggery and violence.

“We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. The campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogi citizens,” he said, appealing to them to caution subjects against violence and ensure citizens exercise democratic rights freely.

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