An Edo State High Court on January 12, 2026 ordered that52 individuals, including 38 students of the Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo State, who reportedly participated in a protest two days earlier against the spate of kidnappings and insecurity in Ekpoma be remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre Governor Monday Okpebholo, however, ordered their release on January 14 after a meeting with the University’s Student Union Government (SUG).
The protest, which began as a demonstration by family members of a kidnap victim later found dead, was initially aimed at condemning rising kidnappings and killings in the area. It, however, later degenerated into violence, resulting in the looting of shops and the vandalisation of the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
Security operatives subsequently arrested suspects at various locations across Ekpoma. Some AAU students claimed they were taken from their hostels around 3 a.m. while asleep and had no involvement in the protest. They were transported in a police “Black Maria” van to Benin City, where they were detained pending arraignment.
The arraignment was conducted through an ex parte motion filed by the police counsel, P. O. Odion. However, Justice William Aziegbemi ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction, advising the defence counsel to approach the Ubiaja High Court for bail applications. The judge ordered that the suspects remain remanded at Ubiaja Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to February 26, 2026.
On her part, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, stated that the suspects were arrested for their alleged roles in the violent protest, which resulted in the destruction of property. Lawyers representing some defendants criticised the charges, describing them as “bogus.” Barrister Wisdom Isaac argued that offences such as malicious damage and armed robbery were wrongly preferred, noting that no formal complaints had been lodged against many of the suspects.
