Group Accuses Kogi Gov Ododo Of Using Police To Detain Politician’s Aides For 57 Days, Demands CP’s Removal

The Alliance of Civil Society for Good Governance (ACSGGG) has called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to investigate and remove the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi, over alleged complicity in the continued detention of two supporters and aides of a politician in the state.

The group alleged that Abdulmumuni Shaibu, popularly known as Small Boy, and Abdulrahman Isezuo had been detained for about 57 days in connection with the crisis surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency.

In a statement dated September 14, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Isa Abdulmalik, the group alleged that the commissioner was acting on the instructions of Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.

“CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi is acting under the instruction of Governor Usman Ododo who is exploiting the CP office as a tool of political intimidation and maneuvering,” the statement alleged.

The group said the two men were known supporters and aides of Honourable M. I. Onimisi, popularly known as Aka’ami, who is currently challenging the outcome of the APC primary election before the Federal High Court.

The civil society organization said the prolonged detention of Shaibu and Isezuo without a speedy trial or determination of any criminal allegations against them raised serious constitutional and human rights concerns.

“We are deeply concerned that the prolonged detention of these individuals, without a speedy trial and determination of any criminal allegations against them, raises serious constitutional and human rights questions,” it said.

It added that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to personal liberty and fair hearing, arguing that citizens should not be subjected to indefinite detention without due process.

The group said if there was credible evidence against the two men, the police should charge them before a competent court and allow them to defend themselves in accordance with the law.

“If there is credible evidence against Abdulmumuni Shaibu and Abdulrahman Isezuo, they should be promptly charged before a court of competent jurisdiction and given the opportunity to defend themselves in accordance with the law,” it said.

The organization warned that continued detention without trial could undermine public confidence in the justice system and create the impression that law enforcement agencies were being used to settle political disputes

It therefore demanded an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the detention of the two men and their arraignment if sufficient evidence existed to prosecute them.

It also demanded their unconditional release if there was no sufficient evidence against them.

The group further called for an independent inquiry into the conduct of the police officers involved and the immediate removal of Kankarofi pending the outcome of such an investigation.

It also demanded an assurance from the Nigeria Police Force that constitutional rights and the rule of law would be protected regardless of political affiliation.

“The Nigeria Police Force is a national institution established to uphold justice, protect citizens, and enforce the law impartially. It must not be perceived as taking sides in political disputes or facilitating the violation of the fundamental rights of any citizen,” the group said.

The ACSGGG urged the Inspector General of Police to act swiftly, saying such action was necessary to protect justice, fairness and public confidence in Nigeria's criminal justice system.

The group's statement did not state the specific criminal allegations against Shaibu and Isezuo or indicate whether they had been formally charged before a court.