SERAP Demands Release Of 52 AAU Students Arrested Over Ekpoma Protest

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has appealed to Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and other concerned authorities to secure the immediate and unconditional release of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were allegedly being held at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre Over last weekend’s violent protest in Ekpoma.

The arrests followed a protest held last Saturday in Ekpoma, Esan West local government area of Edo State, where residents staged a demonstration to express frustration over the rising cases of kidnapping and the deteriorating security situation in the area.

According to reports, students of Ambrose Alli University joined members of the local community in what began as a peaceful protest to draw attention to the worsening security situation. The protest, however, was later reportedly infiltrated by hoodlums who carried out acts of violence across parts of the town.

In the wake of the unrest, security operatives allegedly arrested dozens of protesters, many of whom were later remanded in custody.

Reacting to the development in a statement, SERAP condemned the arrests and detention of the protesters, describing the actions as a violation of fundamental human rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.

“Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all 52 people mostly students of Ekpoma Ambrose Alli University who are reportedly detained at Ubiaja Correctional Centre over last Saturday’s protest in Ekpoma, Esan-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

“Authorities must immediately drop their policy of crushing peaceful student protests, respect the rights to peaceful assembly and expression, and drop all arbitrary charges and sanctions against students for their involvement in them,” SERAP said.

The organisation stressed that demonstrations against insecurity fall within lawful civic action and are protected under democratic norms.

SERAP further urged the Edo State government to respect the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and to drop all arbitrary charges and sanctions against the affected students.