A High Court in Edo State has ordered the detention of fifty-two young individuals connected to a demonstration against kidnapping that turned violent in the town of Ekpoma.
Court Orders Remand Following Destructive Protest
The Edo State High Court, specifically the Criminal Court 2, directed that the fifty-two accused persons be held at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre. Their remand will last until February 26, when their case is expected to progress further. The individuals were arraigned before the court on Monday, January 12.
The unrest originated on Saturday, January 10, when youths, predominantly identified as students of Ambrose Alli University, mobilized to decry the alarming rise in kidnappings and general insecurity within the Ekpoma community, located in the Edo Central Senatorial District.
Peaceful Protest Descends Into Chaos and Vandalism
What began as a peaceful outcry against a critical security situation swiftly escalated. According to police reports, the protest was hijacked by hoodlums, leading to significant property damage. The palace of the local traditional ruler was among the structures reportedly vandalized.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, clarified the situation. "Regrettably, the protest was hijacked, and all the rules of peaceful protest were ignored," the statement read. It listed resultant incidents including malicious damage, looting, vandalism of shops, and an incident where a military personnel discharged a firearm at a protester.
The police emphasized that those involved in acts of violence, vandalism, and looting were identified and arrested. They confirmed that thorough investigations are ongoing to ensure all culpable persons face justice.
Emotional Scenes and Claims of Arrest Procedures
The court proceedings concluded with emotional scenes as families of the accused struggled to offer support. Tears flowed freely as parents attempted to pass water, food, drinks, and money to their children before they were escorted into a Black Maria vehicle for transport to Ubiaja.
Adding a controversial layer to the event, most of the suspects claimed they were not arrested at the protest scene. They alleged that security agencies abducted them from their residences during the night and in the early hours of Sunday, January 11, and were taken directly to the state police command headquarters.
Videos from the protest and its aftermath circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing significant public attention to the issues of security and protest policing in the region.
