Follow Us on Google
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Fifty-two suspects arrested in connection with last Saturday violent protest in Ekpoma, among them some students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, were yesterday arraigned at a Benin High Court through an Exparte Motion filed by Police Counsel, P. O Odion.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Wlliam Aziegbemi, said he lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter and asked Counsel representing the defendants to file bail application at the Ubiaja High Court.
He, therefore, ordered the remand of the suspects to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to February 26th, 2026 for hearing.
Spokesman of the Edo State Police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said the suspects were arrested for engaging in violent protest.
Some Counsel to the suspects said bogus charges of malicious damage, armed robbery were preferred against the suspects.
One of the lawyers, Wisdom Isaac, said nobody made any complaints against the suspects.
Other News
On his part, Ejemi Etinbowei, said the students never organised the protest but family of a kidnap victim that was found dead.
It was gathered that the suspects were arrested at various locations 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 the Edo State High Court where relatives of the suspects were seen loitering around and looking worried.
A man, whose two sons were arrested who gave his name as Abdulsalam, said his children neve participated in the protest.
Some relatives burst into tears as the suspects were being led into the black maria van.
