A Benin High Court has ordered the remand of 52 individuals, including several students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre. The ruling came on Monday, January 12, 2026, following their arraignment in connection with a protest against rising kidnappings and insecurity in the Esan West Local Government Area.
The protest, which took place last Saturday, was initially sparked by residents’ outrage over frequent abductions and killings in the community. Demonstrators alleged that victims were often kidnapped directly from their homes, with many cases involving ransom demands. Reports indicate that the demonstration escalated into violence, with incidents of vandalism, looting of shops, road blockages using burning tyres, and an attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II.
Police arrested the suspects during coordinated operations, including midnight raids on student hostels across Ekpoma. Many of those detained, particularly AAU students, claimed they were arrested from their rooms while asleep and had not participated in the protest. Defence counsel argued that the charges—malicious damage and armed robbery—were unfounded and “bogus,” with some lawyers asserting that the protest was primarily organised by relatives of a kidnapping victim whose body was later discovered.
The police filed an ex parte motion seeking the suspects’ remand for an initial 14 days pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Edo State Ministry of Justice. 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 subsequently remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, with the case adjourned to February 26, 2026, for further hearing.
The development has drawn widespread condemnation. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Take-It-Back Movement, activist Omoyele Sowore, and the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees. Critics described the arrests as an abuse of power, a violation of fundamental rights, and an attempt to criminalise peaceful protest against insecurity. The PDP accused the state government of being “brutal towards citizens [and] timid before criminals,” while highlighting ongoing kidnappings in the area—even noting another abduction captured on CCTV shortly after the protest.
Edo State Police have linked the arrests to the violent aspects of the demonstration and assured intensified security operations to combat kidnapping and related crimes.
This incident underscores the escalating tension in Ekpoma amid persistent insecurity, as residents and students demand urgent government action to address kidnappings rather than face repercussions for voicing their concerns.
Clarion Newschannel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the case progresses.
