The Kogi State Police Command on Wednesday announced an indefinite ban on rally, public procession and demonstration in any part of the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, made the announcement in Lokoja during a meeting with area commanders, divisional police officers and senior police personnel, said the ban takes immediate effect.
He further explained that the ban would remain in place until the current tensed political situation in the state improves. Mr inalegwu described as “sad, unfortunate and avoidable” the recent attack by unknown gunmen at a rally being organised by Sen. Dino Melaye in Lokoja on June 12, stressing that the senator did not obtain permission before holding the rally.
Inalegwu added that the decision was approved during an emergency meeting of the state Security Council held on June 13 and would remain in force until the situation improved.
He directed his officers to start arresting motorists engaging in illegal use of siren on highways in the state as from June 22.
He, however, added that the state governor, his deputy, ambulances, emergency response vehicles and the Central Bank of Nigeria bullion vans were exempted from the ban.
He said “no abuses will be tolerated; it is strictly for crime control and not any other motive.”
The police Commissioner charged his officers to be ahead of criminals by constant raids of criminals hideouts based on intelligence.
