Following the arrest and imprisonment of 52 people in Ekpoma, former vice president Atiku Abubakar denounced the Federal Government and Edo State authorities, characterizing the reaction to insecurity protests as a “intolerant and heavy-handed” attack on constitutional rights.
According to reports, the arrests resulted from a rally in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, which started out as a nonviolent protest against the increasing number of kidnappings, including the recent kidnapping of Akhabhe Favour and the killing of a young man on January 9. Following reports of looting at a cattle market and vandalism of the Onojie of Ekpoma’s palace, the demonstration turned violent.
Atiku blasted the Bola Tinubu-led government in a statement issued on Tuesday for stifling free speech while ignoring the nation’s security issue.
Atiku stated, “The Bola Tinubu administration’s level of intolerance and high-handedness is concerning.” “It is unacceptable that dozens of students were arrested and detained by the authorities in response to their protests against insecurity in Ekpoma.”
He went on to say that the legal recognition of the right to protest ought to shield people from persecution when they express their complaints.
“Our communities would be safer if the energy used to arrest innocent students and citizens were used to combat terrorism and banditry instead of negotiating with criminals,” he continued.
He demanded that those in custody be released immediately and without conditions.
The Edo State Government, on the other hand, blamed a Nigerian living in Russia and others overseas for the disturbance, dismissing it as a “well-organized riot.”
In a statement, Patrick Ebojele, Monday Okpebholo’s chief press secretary, stated that the people detained were rioters rather than students.
He denied reports made by some relatives that students were arrested from their mattresses, insisting that the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) campus, which had been closed for a while, had long since left its hostels prior to the protests.
The 52 suspects were charged with armed robbery, arson, and intentional damage during their arraignment before Benin High Court Judge William Aziegbemi on Monday. However, Justice Aziegbemi decided that the court lacked jurisdiction over the issue and ordered the defense to apply for bail at the Ubiaja High Court. As a result, the case was postponed. The case was then postponed until February 26, 2026, and the accused were placed under remand at the Ubiaja Correctional Center.
The Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma, CSP Tomofe Nwabueze, has been redeployed by the Edo State Police Command in response to the disturbances. In an effort to strengthen security and stop more incidences, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika has announced a reorganization of the Ekpoma Division.
For safety considerations, the Edo State Government has decided to delay the start of classes in the Edo Central Senatorial District due to the disturbances.
