Varsity Students Among 50 Suspects To Be Arraigned Over Ekpoma Protest In Edo

Over 50 persons, including students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, on Monday, were among suspects that were arrested by police and set to be arraigned at the Criminal Court 2 in Benin City over violent protest in Ekpoma town, Esan West local government area of Edo State.

Residents of Ekpoma had embarked on the protest at the weekend over incessant kidnappings and killings.

The protest, however, turned violent as several shops were looted and the Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma was vandalised.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, visited the palace of the Okojie of Ekpoma and condemned the wanton destruction of properties in the town and Palace.

Some of the arrested students were picked up from their hostels mainly outside the school campus in Ekpoma.

Many of the students said they were sleeping inside their hostels when they were arrested at about 3am.

They were driven in a Black Maria to Benin City, the Edo State capital, where they are currently waiting to be arraigned.

At the court premises, relatives of the victims were seen loitering around and looking worried.

As at press time, security cordoned off the court room and refused to allow journalists into the court room.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrested suspects were involved in looting and violent acts.