Rights Group Condemns Remand of 52 Ambrose Alli University Students, Demands Their Release
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly condemned the arrest and remand of 52 students and young people, including undergraduates from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), describing the action as a violation of fundamental rights and an attempt to intimidate peaceful protesters.
In a statement released on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), SERAP said the Nigeria Police Force’s midnight raids on student hostels across Ekpoma were a blatant abuse of power that undermines the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression. The group urged Edo State authorities to stop criminalising civic dissent and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.
The arrests follow a weekend protest in Ekpoma against rising kidnappings and worsening insecurity in parts of Edo State, which drew students and residents onto the streets. While residents initially demonstrated peacefully, authorities later accused some participants of violent conduct.
Court Remand and Legal Proceedings
On Monday, a Benin High Court ordered that the 52 suspects be remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre after they were arraigned on charges including alleged malicious damage and armed robbery. The presiding judge, Justice William Aziegbemi, said the court lacked jurisdiction to grant bail and directed defence counsel to seek bail at the Ubiaja High Court. The case was adjourned to February 26, 2026, for further hearings.
Emotional scenes unfolded outside the courtroom, with relatives breaking down in tears as the suspects were taken into custody. Some family members maintain that their loved ones were sleeping in their hostels and not directly involved in the protests when they were arrested.
Outrage from Rights and Student Groups
SERAP’s condemnation mirrors outrage from other civil society organisations and student bodies, which have criticised what they call a disproportionate response to legitimate civic grievances. The group urged the government to respect the rights of citizens to voice concerns without fear of arrest or punitive legal measures.
The rights organisation also called on authorities to withdraw all charges against the students, stop the harassment of protesters, and ensure that security forces focus on addressing the root causes of insecurity instead of suppressing peaceful dissent.