The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the continued detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, who were arrested following a protest against rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the state.
The students were remanded in custody after staging a peaceful demonstration to draw attention to worsening security conditions affecting campuses and host communities across Edo State.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, NANS described the detention as “ridiculous, unacceptable, and deeply disturbing,” insisting that the students were merely exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“Peaceful protest is not a crime, and demanding safety should never be met with repression,” the association stated.
NANS accused the Edo State Government, the management of Ambrose Alli University, and the Nigeria Police Force of failing in their responsibility to protect students, while allegedly resorting to intimidation, harassment, and psychological trauma against those who spoke out against insecurity.
The students’ body further urged relevant authorities to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of the detained students, stressing that their safety must not be compromised under any circumstances.
“The safety, physical and mental wellbeing of these students must be guaranteed at all times,” the statement noted.
NANS also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all the detained students, warning that any delay or attempt to justify their continued incarceration would be viewed as a deliberate act of oppression against the Nigerian student community.
“It is alarming that instead of addressing genuine concerns of kidnapping and insecurity, authorities have chosen to criminalise students for speaking out,” the association said, adding that such actions were “counterproductive and capable of escalating tension.”
Reaffirming its solidarity with the affected students and their families, NANS warned that it would mobilise and deploy all lawful means to secure their release should the situation persist.
“Nigerian students deserve safety, not suppression,” the statement concluded.
The 52 students were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre over charges bordering on malicious damage and armed robbery.
However, Justice William Aziegbemi of the Benin High Court, who presided over the matter on Monday, ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case and directed defence counsel to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court. The case was subsequently adjourned to February 26, 2026.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
