Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has banned night arrests across the state, directing security agencies to stop invading homes and apprehending residents at night.
Ododo issued the directive on Monday in Lokoja while addressing first-class traditional rulers in the state, stressing that security agencies must follow due process when making arrests.
“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 residents, insisting that security operations must be civil, lawful and humane.
He urged traditional rulers to report any security personnel who violated the order, assuring them that his administration would not tolerate abuse of power.
Ododo also warned residents against aiding criminal elements, particularly through the provision of food, logistics and information to criminals operating in the bush.
He specifically cautioned woodcutters against collaborating with criminals and directed traditional rulers to engage their associations and warn members against such activities.
“If you are caught aiding criminals, we will not spare you, even if you are my brother,” the governor warned.
Ododo said efforts to cut off criminals’ supply routes and shut down compromised markets were already yielding results.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for Kogi and other parts of the country, particularly in infrastructure, security and the timely release of federal allocations.
He described the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene-Benin Highway as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic integration.
On the forthcoming general elections, Ododo urged traditional rulers to promote peace, tolerance and issue-based campaigns across their domains.
“We cannot be killing ourselves to get to a position. Campaign should be issue-based, not about religion or ethnicity. We are all Kogi citizens,” he said.
He called on the traditional rulers to remain neutral peace advocates and work with community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to prevent thuggery, intimidation and electoral violence.
Ododo also urged them to support the Chief of Army Staff and other security agencies, noting that the safety of security personnel was essential to their ability to protect citizens.
He appealed to the royal fathers to caution their subjects against violence before, during and after the elections and ensure that citizens could exercise their democratic rights freely and peacefully.
