The Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2, has ordered the remand of 52 youths arrested in connection with the protest that erupted in Ekpoma, Edo Central Senatorial District, over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the area.
The youths, most of whom are reportedly students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), took to the streets on Saturday, January 10, to express frustration over frequent abductions and deteriorating security conditions in their community.
However, the protest later degenerated into violence, resulting in the destruction of several properties, including parts of the palace of the traditional ruler of the area.
Videos from the protest circulated widely on social media, showing scenes of unrest and clashes, prompting security agencies to intervene. The police later moved in to restore order, making multiple arrests in the process.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Edo State Police Command alleged that the protest was hijacked by hoodlums, who ignored the rules guiding peaceful demonstrations.
According to the police, the situation escalated into malicious damage to property, looting, vandalism of shops, and other acts of violence.
The statement also referenced an incident during the unrest in which military personnel reportedly discharged a firearm at a protester, further heightening tension in the area.
Those arrested were arraigned before the Edo State High Court on Monday, January 12, where the court granted an application by the police for their remand at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre pending further investigation. The case was adjourned to February 26.
Emotional scenes were witnessed at the court premises as parents and relatives struggled to pass food, drinks, water, and money to the suspects while they were being led into a police vehicle en route to Ubiaja.
Some of the detainees reportedly claimed they were picked up from their homes late at night and in the early hours of Sunday by security operatives and taken directly to the state police command headquarters in Benin City.
Police authorities insist investigations are ongoing and have vowed that all individuals found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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