The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a prominent pro-democracy group, has strongly criticized the Nigeria Police Force and the Kogi State Governor for what it describes as a blatant abuse of power.
The condemnation comes in response to efforts to prevent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, from hosting a peaceful gathering at her family home to meet with constituents.
HURIWA accused the Kogi State Police Command and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governor—described as a close ally and first cousin of former Governor Yahaya Bello, a political rival of the senator—of colluding to undermine her rights. The group called the move “unjustifiable and unacceptable,” arguing that it reflects a troubling politicization of the police force. “The Nigeria Police Force, established under the Constitution to serve the common good, has sadly devolved into an ‘attack dog’ and ‘lapdog’ of the APC,” HURIWA stated.
The organization urged the police leadership to urgently distance itself from partisan affiliations and adhere to the Constitution and the Police Act of 2020, which mandates professionalism and political neutrality. HURIWA questioned why the Kogi State Police Command would follow the governor’s directives to suppress Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights to freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, and expression, labeling the actions a “deterioration of policing standards.”
The controversy erupted just 48 hours before the senator’s planned homecoming event, when the Kogi State Government issued a sudden ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing vague “security reports.” The government also suspended fishing and other activities, claiming recent incidents in Kogi West—where two lives were lost in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette—necessitated the measures. Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo defended the ban as a precaution against potential security breaches.
Echoing the state government, the Kogi State Police Command issued a statement on Tuesday, urging organizers of the senator’s rally to cancel it. Police spokesperson William Aya cited an “intelligence report” suggesting that “hoodlums” planned to disrupt the event and disturb the state’s peace. “The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace,” Aya said, advising cancellation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
HURIWA dismissed these justifications as a “contrived and dangerously partisan plot” by the APC to stifle the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senator’s event. The group called for an investigation into the Commissioner of Police’s claims, demanding evidence of the alleged security threats. “This misuse of police authority to serve the APC’s interests, rather than the public good, is despicable and must be condemned,” HURIWA asserted.
