Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were remanded at Ubiaja Correctional Centre following a recent protest over insecurity in the university town, have been released, along with other detainees.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
Background of the Arrests
The students were among 52 people remanded by a Benin High Court on charges including malicious damage and armed robbery. The arrests followed a protest last Saturday, initially aimed at highlighting rising insecurity in Ekpoma. The demonstration, however, reportedly degenerated into violence, with hoodlums looting shops, burning tyres, and blocking roads. Videos of the chaos circulated widely on social media.
Governor’s Response
Following the release, Governor Okpebholo engaged with the students and other stakeholders at the Government House Banquet Hall in Benin City. He emphasised:
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His administration’s commitment to dialogue, reforms, and holistic development of AAU.
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The devastated funding situation of AAU when he assumed office, noting that while the university previously received ₦41 million monthly, a single consultant had reportedly been paid ₦59 million under the previous administration.
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His government has now increased AAU’s monthly allocation to ₦500 million and is working to gradually clear ₦41 billion in unpaid salaries and wage arrears.
The governor also urged students to avoid violence, not be manipulated by criminal elements, and channel grievances through peaceful engagement. He condemned the looting and destruction of property as harmful to the community.
Clarifying the Protest
Governor Okpebholo noted that genuine AAU students were not the organizers of the violent protest. Investigations revealed that a group calling themselves the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community”, composed of former students and outsiders, orchestrated the chaos.
He assured that any bona fide students arrested during the crackdown would be identified and released promptly, which led to the recent release of detained students through coordination with the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Osadebamen Ehizogie Michael.
Official Praise
Education Commissioner Dr. Paddy Iyamu commended the governor’s approach, highlighting his people-centred leadership and preference for dialogue over force in resolving the situation.
The release reflects Edo State’s commitment to maintaining peace, restoring normalcy at AAU, and protecting students from being caught in criminal acts beyond their control.
