Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has issued a strong condemnation of the arrest and alleged unlawful detention of 52 students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU). The lawmaker described the incident as a severe attack on democratic expression and the involvement of young people in governance.
Senator Demands Immediate Release of Detained Youths
In a public statement released on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan called for the immediate and unconditional release of all 52 students. She firmly stated that peaceful protest and civic engagement should never be criminalized in a democracy. “Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress,” the senator declared. She emphasized that young Nigerians must not be punished for raising their voices about issues impacting their environment, welfare, and future.
Misplaced Priorities Amidst Insecurity
The senator criticized the response from authorities in Edo State, arguing that the arrests show a dangerous misplacement of priorities. She pointed out that this action comes at a time when residents are facing a serious and worsening insecurity crisis. Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the state government to redirect its efforts towards tackling urgent threats like kidnappings and violent crimes instead of suppressing the voices of students.
“The government of Edo State must focus on confronting kidnappings and other forms of insecurity, instead of suppressing discerning and courageous voices,” she asserted.
Constitutional Rights and Public Trust at Stake
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that peaceful assembly and protest are rights guaranteed by the constitution and serve as a vital tool for holding leaders accountable. She noted that the lives and futures of young Nigerians are directly shaped by public policy, making their participation crucial. According to her, arresting students for exercising these fundamental rights only serves to deepen public distrust and widen the gap between the government and the people it serves.
“Silencing students through arrests does not resolve grievances. It escalates tension and undermines confidence in leadership. Engagement and honest dialogue are the responsible responses,” she added.
The senator reaffirmed her solidarity with the detained students and their families, stating that her intervention aligns with her long-standing advocacy for justice, human rights, and the empowerment of Nigerian youth.
