The National Association of Nigerian Students has strongly condemned the ongoing detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were remanded after protesting the rising incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in Edo State. In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, NANS called the detention “ridiculous, unacceptable, and deeply troubling,” emphasising that students exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest should not be subjected to intimidation, harassment, or psychological stress.
“Peaceful protest is not a crime, and calling for safety should never be met with repression,” the statement said. The association urged the Edo State Government, the university’s management, and the Nigeria Police Force to guarantee the detained students’ safety and wellbeing. “Their physical and mental welfare must be ensured at all times,” it added.
NANS demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all the students, warning that any attempts to justify or prolong their detention would be “perceived as a deliberate act of oppression against Nigerian students.” The student body criticised authorities for criminalising the protesters instead of addressing the real security challenges in schools and surrounding communities. “It is alarming that instead of tackling the genuine issues of kidnapping and insecurity, authorities have chosen to punish students for speaking out. This approach is counterproductive, unjust, and risks escalating tensions,” the statement noted.
The association reaffirmed its support for the affected students and their families, pledging to mobilise and take all lawful measures if the students are not released promptly. “Nigerian students deserve protection, not suppression,” the statement concluded. The students were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre by the Benin High Court on charges including malicious damage and armed robbery.
Justice William Aziegbemi, presiding over the case on Monday, said he lacked jurisdiction and directed the students’ lawyers to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court. The case has been adjourned to February 26, 2026. Some of the students told reporters they were arrested around 3 a.m. while asleep in their hostels and had no involvement in the protest or the violence that ensued, during which hoodlums hijacked the demonstration, attacked traders, set tyres on fire, and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II. Relatives reportedly wept as the students were led away in a black Maria van.
Source: https://punchng.com/
