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 accused Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo of allegedly using the police to intimidate political opponents following the reported detention of two supporters and aides of a politician in the state.

The organisation alleged that Abdulmumuni Shaibu, popularly known as Small Boy, and Abdulrahman Isezuo have 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 called on the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the prolonged detention and remove the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi.

The group alleged that Kankarofi was acting on the instructions of Governor Ododo and accused the police commissioner of allowing the command to be used as a tool for political intimidation and manoeuvring.

According to the organisation, the two detained men are 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 group expressed concern over what it described as the prolonged detention of Shaibu and Isezuo without a speedy trial or determination of the criminal allegations against them.

It argued that the alleged detention raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns, stressing that citizens are entitled to personal liberty and fair hearing under Nigerian law.

The organisation said that if there is credible evidence linking the two men to any offence, the police should promptly charge them before a competent court and allow them to defend themselves in accordance with due process.

ACSGGG warned that continued detention without trial could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and create the perception that law enforcement agencies are being used to settle political disputes.

The group therefore demanded an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the detention of the two men and called for their arraignment if sufficient evidence exists to prosecute them.

It also demanded the unconditional release of Shaibu and Isezuo if investigators determine that there is insufficient evidence against them. The organisation further called for an independent inquiry into the conduct of police officers allegedly involved in the matter.

As part of its demands, the group called for the immediate removal of CP Kankarofi pending the outcome of an investigation, while urging the Nigeria Police Force to guarantee that the constitutional rights of citizens are protected regardless of their political affiliation.

The organisation maintained that the police is a national institution established to protect citizens, enforce the law and uphold justice impartially, warning that the force must not be perceived as taking sides in political disputes or facilitating violations of fundamental rights.

Street News Reporters reports that the statement by the civil society group did not specify the particular criminal allegations against Shaibu and Isezuo or indicate whether they had been formally charged before a court. The allegations against the governor and police authorities also remain claims by the organisation and have not been independently established.