AAU Students, Others Remanded Over Ekpoma Protests
By Dada Ayokhai
There was wailing and shedding of tears as students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, were among 52 persons arrested and arraigned by the police following a violent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The protest was sparked by growing concerns over frequent kidnappings and killings in the community, with residents alleging that several victims were abducted directly from their homes. Tensions escalated during the demonstration, leading to the looting of shops and the vandalism of the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
Security operatives arrested the suspects from different parts of the town. Several of those detained, mostly students, claimed they were picked up around 3 a.m. while asleep in their hostels and had no involvement in the protest. They were conveyed in a Black Maria to Edo State, where they were later brought to court.
At the court premises, relatives of the accused expressed distress.
One parent, Abdulsalam, said his two sons were wrongly arrested, insisting they did not participate in the protest. Emotional scenes played out as family members wept while the suspects were taken into police custody.
The arraignment followed an ex parte motion filed by police counsel, P. O. Odion. However, the presiding judge, Justice William Aziegbemi, ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction and directed defence counsel to apply for bail at the Ubiaja High Court.
The suspects were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, and the case was adjourned to February 26, 2026, for hearing.
Edo State Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests were connected to the violent protest. In contrast, defence lawyers, including Barristers Wisdom Isaac and Enemies Etinbowei, argued that the charges of malicious damage and armed robbery were unfounded.
They maintained that the students neither organised nor participated in the protest, which they said was led by relatives of a kidnapping victim later found dead.
