By joshua KOGI STATE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE
CLARIFICATION ON PUBLICATION CONCERNING CP NAZIRU BELLO KANKAROFI, psc, mni — SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
The attention of the Kogi State Police Command has been drawn to a publication authored by one Sowore of Sahara Reporters concerning CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, which contains information that does not reflect the facts of the case.
The Command wishes to clarify that some of the information contained in the said publication is inaccurate and does not reflect the circumstances surrounding the matter. The Command considers it necessary to set the records straight and provide the public with the facts of the case.
THE FACTS OF THE CASE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
The arrest in question was made sequel to a formal petition received from the Kogi State Government against one Mr. Elijah Olounsuwa, who published false and misleading information on a social media platform regarding a project sponsored by the State Government.
Acting on the petition, the suspect was arrested on Wednesday 16/9/2026 at Ilorin, Kwara State and brought to Lokoja for investigation. During investigation, after recording his statement, the suspect voluntarily wrote a letter of apology to the Kogi State Government which he personally signed on the false publication he posted on the platform concerning Kabba-Olle-Iluke road construction.
In his letter, titled “RETRACTION AND APOLOGY TO KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT ON MY PUBLICATION ON KABBA-OLLE-ILUKE ROAD,” he stated:
“I had in my earlier write-up adduced that the construction of these said roads is to be sponsored by the World Bank based on the information at my disposal as at the time of publication of the said WhatsApp piece.”
“Recent information has however confirmed that the said road construction is a sole project of the Kogi State Government.”
“This is to correct the earlier write-up and offer an unreserved apology to the Kogi State Government as the publication is not meant to cause any embarrassment to the State.”
Subsequently, the suspect was released on Police administrative bail on the same day (16/09/2026) to one Mr Ojo Johnson and was asked to report back the following morning, Thursday 17/09/2026, to assist with ongoing investigation. At no time was he harassed, intimidated, detained or his rights violated.
The reference to the Commissioner of Police in the publication does not reflect the circumstances surrounding the matter. CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni is a refined, disciplined and professional officer who has served the Nigeria Police Force meritoriously with integrity and an unblemished record. His track record of professionalism and respect for human rights is well known.
The Command remains focused on carrying out its constitutional mandate and will continue to collaborate with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.
The Command advises the public to discountenance the inaccurate narrative being circulated on social media and urges media practitioners and social media users to always verify facts before publication to promote responsible information sharing and avoid misinformation.
ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat
Police Public Relations Officer
Kogi State Police Command
22nd September, 2026