Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government and the Edo State Government over the arrest and continued detention of 52 persons in Ekpoma, describing the response to recent protests as an “intolerant and heavy-handed” violation of constitutional rights.
The arrests followed a protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, which began as a peaceful demonstration against rising insecurity, including recent kidnappings and the killing of a young man on January 9. The protest later turned violent, with reports of looting at a livestock market and damage to the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku faulted the administration of President Bola Tinubu for clamping down on civic expression while failing to adequately protect citizens. He said it was unacceptable for authorities to respond to students’ protests against insecurity by arresting and detaining dozens of young people.
According to him, the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest should shield citizens who peacefully express grievances. He added that if the same level of energy used in arresting protesters were directed at tackling terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, communities would be far safer. Atiku therefore demanded the immediate and unconditional release of those in custody.
The Edo State Government, however, rejected claims that the arrests targeted students. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, the government described the incident as a “well-coordinated riot” allegedly sponsored by a Nigerian living in Russia and other overseas locations. The government insisted that those arrested were rioters intercepted while attempting to vandalise the Ambrose Alli University campus, noting that the institution had been closed and students had vacated hostels long before the unrest.
Adding her voice, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan criticised the state government for what she described as the suppression of legitimate civic participation. She urged authorities to prioritise dialogue over detention and to confront the growing security challenges rather than targeting those drawing attention to them.
The 52 suspects were arraigned on Monday before Justice William Aziegbemi of the Benin High Court on charges including armed robbery, arson, and malicious damage. The court, however, ruled that it lacked jurisdiction and directed that bail applications be filed at the Ubiaja High Court. The suspects were subsequently remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre until February 26, 2026.
Following the unrest, the Edo State Police Command redeployed the Divisional Police Officer in Ekpoma, CSP Tomofe Nwabueze, while the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, announced a reorganisation of the division to strengthen security.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has postponed the resumption of schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, citing security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of students.
