38 Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo state arrested and detained over protest in the state are set to be released. The 38 students were among the 52 people who were remanded after a protest against kidnapping and insecurity in Edo State.
According to press release by Hon. Asefon Sunday Dayo, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Students Engagement, the students will be released “shortly”.The press release reads:
“Update on the Arrest of Ekpoma Students “We are pleased to report that 38 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) who were arrested in connection with the recent protest in Ekpoma will be released shortly.
“This positive development is a result of the timely and constructive interventions of the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, minister of youth development Comr Ayo Olawande, the workaholic Commissioner for Education in Edo State, SUG President Ambrose Ali and the unwavering efforts of the comrade community.
“We appreciate the commitment of all stakeholders to dialogue, due process, and the welfare of students, and we commend their roles in ensuring a peaceful resolution of the matter.”ECLAT MEDIA reported that the students were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre by a Benin High Court over charges including malicious damage and armed robbery.
The presiding judge ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction and directed that bail applications be filed at the Ubiaja High Court, with the case adjourned.Some of the students said they were arrested in the early hours of the morning while asleep in their hostels and denied taking part in the protest or the violence that followed.The protest was later hijacked by hoodlums who attacked traders, burned tyres and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, an incident that drew widespread condemnation.
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