Ododo approves demolition of criminal hideout in Okene
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, on Thursday directed the demolition of a building widely known as Sambel Joint, located in Idoji, Okene Local Government Area, over its alleged use for criminal activities.
The governor said the action was taken based on credible intelligence linking the structure to organised crime. The demolition also came shortly after the state government announced the nullification of all properties across Kogi State that were fraudulently or illegally acquired, declaring such assets invalid and without legal standing.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, the government warned that any property found to have been unlawfully obtained or deployed for criminal purposes would be recovered, while offenders would face prosecution.
Fanwo disclosed that properties situated at GP 23A, 23B, 24A and 24B in the Government Quarters, Idoji, Okene, bearing Certificate of Occupancy number KG 13958, were invalidated and pulled down after investigations confirmed they were illegally acquired and used as criminal hideouts.
He explained that the properties violated provisions of the Kogi State Land Administration Law and the Anti-Kidnapping Law, having been unlawfully occupied and converted into operational bases for criminal elements.
According to the commissioner, sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering revealed that the location had become a hotspot for criminal activities, posing serious security risks to residents and commuters in the area.
Speaking at the demolition site, Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s firm stance on security, emphasising that safeguarding lives and property remains a top priority.
“We are taking this action in the best interest of our people. I was elected to protect the lives and livelihoods of Kogites, and I will continue to do everything necessary to secure them,” the governor said.
He stressed that the government had previously warned that any building used to harbour criminals would be demolished, describing the move as a proactive step to curb insecurity in the state.
Governor Ododo also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support in enhancing security across Kogi State.
“I appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support he continues to give in ensuring that our state is protected from criminal activities,” he noted.
The governor disclosed that investigations showed the demolished buildings were government-owned properties that had been illegally taken over and repurposed for criminal operations.
He issued a strong warning to criminals and their accomplices, vowing zero tolerance for crime in the state.
“I will not negotiate with criminals. If you harbour criminals, your house will be demolished. We will take the fight to them wherever they are,” Ododo declared.
He reaffirmed that Kogi State will not be a refuge for criminal elements, adding that peace and security remain central to his administration’s development agenda.
