Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Inspector‑General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has strongly denied claims that the Nigeria Police Force arrested peaceful protesters during recent demonstrations in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The IGP’s rebuttal comes amid national debate and public concern over the treatment of youths, especially students, following a protest that took place in early January 2026.
Speaking in an interview broadcast on national television, Egbetokun described allegations that police targeted peaceful demonstrators as a “false narrative” often used to misrepresent law enforcement actions when protests turn violent. According to the police chief, the 52 individuals arrested were not detained for lawful protest but for their alleged participation in criminal acts including looting, vandalism and attacks on property. He said the arrests were based on reports that those detained were involved in the destruction of shops and the vandalisation of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma.
The IGP reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force respects the constitutional right of citizens to conduct peaceful protests and said officers are committed to protecting lawful demonstrators. “We are not against peaceful protest … If you want to come out for peaceful protest, what’s our business? We will protect you,” Egbetokun said, insisting, however, that violence and criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated.
The unrest began with a protest by residents of Ekpoma and nearby communities calling for urgent government action to address rising insecurity and frequent kidnappings in the area. Demonstrators, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), marched through major roads holding placards and demanding improved safety.
However, the situation rapidly deteriorated. What began as a call against insecurity was later described by authorities as being hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants, leading to looting of shops, destruction of property, and clashes with security forces. Videos circulating online showed youths attacking commercial areas and disrupting traffic, further intensifying official concerns over public order.
A Federal High Court in Edo State subsequently ordered that 52 persons arrested in connection with the unrest be remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre on charges including malicious damage and armed robbery. The court set the next hearing for February 26, 2026.
In the days following the arrests, authorities clarified that many of those detained were students of AAU, along with other youths from the local community. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) confirmed the release of the detainees after profiling determined that 38 of the 52 were AAU students, and the remaining 14 were community youths. The association welcomed their release and called for their rights to be upheld.
Separately, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State ordered the release of students who were wrongly arrested during the unrest, asserting that the protest was not organised by AAU student bodies but was exploited by non‑students and criminal elements seeking to incite disorder. He instructed that genuine students be identified and freed without delay.
According to further reporting, the police and military were deployed to restore order after the protest escalated beyond peaceful demonstration. A 32‑year‑old man, Osagie Abraham, was reportedly shot by a military personnel during the events, and authorities have publicly identified the individual involved, notifying the relevant military command for disciplinary action.
Authorities have stressed repeatedly that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, it must remain within the law and not infringe on the safety or property of others. Police spokespeople have underscored their commitment to ensuring that genuine protestors are protected while also holding accountable those who commit criminal offences under the cover of demonstrations.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some civil rights advocates criticised the initial arrests, characterising police action as suppressive, while others supported law enforcement responses to violence and looting. Student organisations and civil society groups have continued to call for clearer protections for peaceful demonstrators and for accountability in cases where security forces use force.
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