Prosper Okoye
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the release of students and other individuals arrested during protests in Ekpoma last weekend.
The unrest, which began on Saturday, 10 January 2026, was sparked by rising kidnapping and insecurity in the community.
Residents had blocked roads and burnt tyres to demand action after a young man was found killed in a bush.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe first group released included seven students, verified by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, who oversaw the process.
Edo Protesters Remanded, Police Say Rally Was Hijacked
Governor Condemns Violence
Speaking to the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Okpebholo said the protest was not organised by students.
“These are people who are no longer students but are just hanging around the school, causing trouble and extorting students. We will put an end to that,” he said.
He added that any genuine students wrongly arrested would be freed without delay.
The governor also dismissed reports of kidnappings linked to the protests as “fake and stage-managed to mislead the public and create ethnic tension.”
He said: “The kidnapping they are talking about is fake. It was stage-managed. They were arranging to kidnap and release themselves. They even went as far as killing someone, which is the most painful part.”
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Okpebholo condemned the burning of markets and destruction of property during the unrest, warning that anyone sponsoring criminals, regardless of political affiliation, would face justice.
“I don’t care whether you are a politician or not. If you are using people to destroy our land and economy, we will go after you. We know ourselves, and we will bring those responsible to book to ensure justice for our people.”
Court Remands Protesters
A Benin City High Court had remanded 52 suspects at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre on 12 January 2026.
The remanded individuals included students of AAU and other youths.
They were arraigned on charges of malicious damage, armed robbery, and other offences linked to the violent protest.
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The presiding judge, Justice William Aziegbemi, said the court lacked jurisdiction for the full case and directed that bail applications be filed at the Ubiaja High Court.
The next hearing was adjourned to 26 February 2026.
Relatives of the detainees were visibly upset as the suspects were transported to the correctional centre. Many wept and tried to hand them food and money.
Protest Turned Violent
Security authorities told the court that the originally peaceful protest was “hijacked”, leading to looting, vandalism, and attacks on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
Videos circulated online showing youths vandalising shops and attacking traders.
Reports also emerged of a soldier firing at a protester, intensifying the unrest.
The demonstration had initially sought better protection from kidnappers and criminals, with residents expressing fear that abductions were disrupting daily life, especially farming activities.
Reactions and Criticism
Civil society and student groups, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), criticised the remand, calling it unjust and a violation of students’ rights to peaceful protest.
The Edo State Police confirmed that hoodlums had hijacked the protest, and engaged local leaders to restore calm.
The Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma was subsequently replaced as part of a strategic repositioning following the unrest.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
