By Maureen Ade
LOKOJA — The Alliance of Civil Society for Good Governance (ACSGGG) has called on Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu to investigate and immediately remove Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Bello Kankarofi over allegations that he is complicit in the continued detention of two political supporters and aides in the state.
The civil society group claims the men—Abdulmumuni Shaibu (popularly known as “Small Boy”) and Abdulrahman Isezuo—have been held for approximately 57 days in connection with a political dispute tied to the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency.
Civil Society Alleges CP Kankarofi Detained the Men on Governor Ododo’s Instructions
In a statement dated September 14, 2026, signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Isa Abdulmalik, ACSGGGG alleged that CP Kankarofi is acting on the instructions of Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.
The group accused the police commissioner of using the police office as a “tool of political intimidation and manoeuvring,” arguing that the detention has been sustained without resolution through due process.
Detention Linked to Crisis Over APC Primary Election
According to ACSGGGG, Shaibu and Isezuo are known supporters and aides of Honourable M. I. Onimisi (popularly known as “Aka’ami”), who is reportedly challenging the APC primary election outcome before the Federal High Court.
The organisation said the ongoing detention appears connected to the wider political and legal contest surrounding the primary election—raising concerns that law enforcement may be pressured to influence political outcomes.
57-Day Detention Without Speedy Trial Raises Rights and Constitution Concerns
ACSGGG argued that holding the two men for nearly two months without a speedy trial—or without a determination of any criminal allegations against them—poses serious constitutional and human rights issues.
The group pointed to constitutional protections for:
- personal liberty, and
- fair hearing,
stressing that citizens should not remain in custody indefinitely without due process.
Group Demands Charge to Court or Release if Evidence Is Lacking
The organisation stated that if police have credible evidence, they should promptly charge Shaibu and Isezuo before a competent court so the accused can defend themselves in line with the law.
However, it also demanded that the men be unconditionally released if there is insufficient evidence to justify continued detention.
Calls for Independent Inquiry and Immediate Removal of CP Kankarofi
Beyond requesting prosecution or release, ACSGGGG demanded:
- an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the detention and the officers involved, and
- the removal of Kankarofi pending the outcome of such an investigation.
It further requested assurances from the Nigeria Police Force that constitutional rights and the rule of law would be respected regardless of political affiliation, warning that continued detention without trial could erode public confidence in the justice system.
As ACSGGGG presses for action, the dispute places additional pressure on Nigeria’s police leadership to respond decisively to detention and due-process concerns in Kogi State. The civil society group insists that swift intervention is necessary to protect justice, fairness, and public confidence in the criminal justice system—particularly where alleged police actions are framed as tools for political intimidation.
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