The Kogi State Police Command has denied harassing a Lecturer with University of Ilorin, Elijah Olounsuwa arrested over a false report on the Kabba-Olle-Iluke road project, saying he was released on bail after he voluntarily apologised for the “misleading” publication.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the clarification became necessary after a Sahara Reporters publication by Sowore contained claims that “do not reflect the facts of the case” regarding Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi.
READ Unilorin Lecturer Tenders Apology to Kogi Govt over Kabba-Olle-Iluke Road False Claim
According to the Command, one Elijah Olounsuwa was arrested on September 16 in Ilorin, Kwara State, following a petition from the Kogi State Government over a social media post claiming the Kabba-Olle-Iluke road was World Bank-funded. He was brought to Lokoja, where he reportedly signed a retraction confirming the project is solely state-funded.
The suspect was granted administrative bail the same day and asked to report back the next morning to continue assisting investigators. The Command insisted he was “at no time… harassed, intimidated, detained or his rights violated,” and described CP Kankarofi as a “refined, disciplined and professional officer” with an unblemished record.
The police urged the public to disregard the “inaccurate narrative” online and called on media practitioners to verify facts before publishing.
