Human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana, has issued a strong demand for the immediate and unconditional release of 14 individuals still detained by police in Edo State. The detainees were part of a peaceful demonstration against rampant kidnapping in the Ekpoma area.
Protest Against Insecurity Leads to Mass Arrests
The crisis began on Saturday, when thousands of unarmed residents from Ekpoma and nearby communities took to the streets. They were protesting the escalating cases of abduction in the region and the recent killing of a young man by suspected armed men. The demonstrators marched peacefully along major roads, carrying placards and calling on government authorities to address the deteriorating security situation in the town.
However, in a move that sparked widespread criticism, the Edo State Police Command obtained a court order on Monday to remand 52 of the protesters. Among those arrested were students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma.
Following public outcry, the Edo State Government intervened, securing the release of 38 students from custody. Despite this, 14 protesters remain in police detention, with plans underway to arraign them on serious charges including armed robbery and related offences.
Falana Condemns Remand Order as Unconstitutional
In his forceful response, Falana condemned the remand order, stating it flagrantly violates both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Edo State. He argued that the citizens were merely exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, rights explicitly guaranteed under Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Falana bolstered his argument by citing relevant judicial precedents:
- He referenced the 2006 case of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) v Inspector-General of Police, where the Federal High Court struck down the requirement for police permits for rallies and upheld citizens' rights to protest government policies.
- He also cited the 2008 Inspector-General of Police v All Nigeria Peoples Party ruling, where the Court of Appeal reaffirmed the right to peaceful protest and urged amendments to the Public Order Act to align with the constitution.
"The protesters were exercising their constitutional rights," Falana asserted, warning against the criminalisation of peaceful dissent.
Edo Government Revises School Resumption Date
In a related development, the Edo State Government has reversed its earlier decision on postponing school resumption. The state's Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, announced that all public and private primary and secondary schools in Edo Central Senatorial District are now to resume for the second term on Monday, January 19, 2026.
This retraction comes just days after the government announced an indefinite postponement to address exigencies concerning pupil welfare. Parents, guardians, and school authorities have been advised to ensure full compliance for a smooth start to academic activities.
The situation in Ekpoma highlights the ongoing tension between citizen activism against insecurity and state response, setting a critical precedent for the right to protest in Nigeria.
