Awarenessinfohub has gathered that a federal high court in Edo State has ordered the remand of 52 protesters, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery.
The protesters were arrested following a demonstration against kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, which turned violent on Saturday, leading to the vandalization and looting of shops and properties.
The ruling, delivered by Presiding Judge William Aziegbemi on Monday, stated that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, directing counsel for the defendants to file their bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court. The case has been adjourned to February 26 for hearing, with the suspects remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
Residents of Ekpoma and neighboring communities had taken to the streets on Saturday to protest the rising cases of kidnapping in the area, marching through major roads and calling for government intervention.
However, the Edo Police Command reported that the protest was hijacked, resulting in malicious damage, looting, and vandalization of property.
The palace of Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma, was reportedly attacked, an act condemned by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The police deployed officers, alongside other security agencies, to restore order after the violence escalated. A 32-year-old protester, Osagie Abraham, was injured when military personnel discharged a firearm and is receiving treatment at a medical facility in Ekpoma.
The Edo State Government has assured residents of intensified security operations to curb kidnapping and other crimes across the state. Governor Okpebholo condemned the attack on the Onojie's palace and urged citizens to support security agencies in maintaining peace.
The police command reiterated that citizens have a constitutional right to protest, but such actions must be conducted peacefully and within the law. The command has identified and arrested suspects involved in the violence and looting, with investigations ongoing.
The protest followed a surge in kidnapping incidents in Edo State, worsened by recent abductions and killings of doctors. The residents' frustration and demand for government action led to the demonstration, which unfortunately turned violent .
The Edo State Police Command has assured residents that it is deploying intensified intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, and targeted tactical interventions to curb kidnapping and other crimes in the state.
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