A High Court sitting in Benin City on Monday ordered the remand of 52 persons, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, following their involvement in protests against the rising wave of kidnapping in Edo State.
The suspects, conveyed to Criminal Court II in a police Black Maria, are facing serious charges bordering on arson, malicious damage, and armed robbery.
Presiding judge, Justice William Aziegbemi, while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the police, stated that the court lacked jurisdiction to grant bail based on the nature of the charges. He directed defence counsel to approach the High Court in Ubiaja for bail applications and adjourned the matter to February 26, 2026, for further hearing.
Midnight Raids Trigger Outrage
The court action followed coordinated midnight operations by the Edo State Police Command across private hostels and lodges in Ekpoma on Sunday. Parents and students who spoke to journalists described the arrests as indiscriminate and traumatic.
Many of the suspects were reportedly dragged out of bed around 3:00 a.m., hours after the protest had ended.
“They came when everyone was asleep,” a student who narrowly escaped arrest recounted. “Several of those remanded were never part of the demonstration; they were simply arrested because they are students.”
Growing Security Tensions in Ekpoma
The unrest stemmed from escalating insecurity in the university town. On Friday, a young man was shot dead by gunmen, while a respected community figure, Dr. Abu Babatunde, was abducted, with kidnappers allegedly demanding ₦100 million ransom.
In response, students and residents stormed the streets on Saturday, blocking major routes including the Benin–Ekpoma–Auchi highway. Authorities, however, alleged the initially peaceful protest was hijacked by hoodlums who vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, and destroyed political campaign materials.
AAU Shutdown Sparks Suspicion
Amid the rising tension, AAU management abruptly announced the closure of the institution, citing “ongoing renovation works” on student facilities.
A statement signed by the Head of Information, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, directed all students to vacate hostels with immediate effect. However, student leaders insist the renovation explanation is merely a cover to weaken the protest and avoid responsibility for student safety.
Nationwide Condemnation
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the development, describing the charges — particularly armed robbery — as “bogus” and a deliberate attempt to intimidate students raising legitimate concerns.
“Demanding safety should never attract repression,” said NANS spokesperson, Adeyemi Ajasa. “We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained students.”
As of Monday evening, all 52 suspects have been transferred to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, where they are expected to remain pending bail proceedings in February.
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