Human and gender rights activist Ukan P Kurugh has issued an important notice to residents of Benue State regarding ongoing police operations and the handling of bail. In a public statement, Kurugh noted a new directive aimed at sanitising the state capital and ridding the streets of criminal elements, which has led to an increased number of arrests and police operations across Makurdi.
Kurugh commended the hard work of the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, for his efforts toward making communities safer. However, he emphasised that the CP has made it clear he does not support the practice of demanding huge or unreasonable sums of money as bail, particularly where nothing incriminating has been found on the person arrested.
The activist stated that the CP, as a father, understands the difficult economic situation Nigerians are currently facing. He therefore advised that anyone arrested by the police should remain calm and cooperate with lawful instructions and procedures. But where a case reaches the point of demanding an unusually huge amount of money for bail, especially when no offence or incriminating evidence has been established, the individual should reach out to him as soon as they regain access to their phone. Contact numbers provided are Call: 08069082285 and WhatsApp: 09099467150. Kurugh assured that any information received would be treated with the seriousness and confidentiality it deserves.
He urged the public to support genuine efforts to make Benue safer while also ensuring that the rights of innocent citizens are respected, ending the statement with prayers for the Benue State Police Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu and Benue State.
