Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has suspended a planned protest in Ekiti State following a timely intervention by the state's Attorney General, who convened a meeting with all parties and promised to secure the release of the embattled former Students' Union Government (SUG) President of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Comrade James Iyanuoluwa Adio.
NANS National President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, announced the development on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in a statement issued after he was briefed by the NANS JCC Chairman for Ekiti State and the NANS National Head of Administration. The briefing confirmed that the Attorney General's office intervened just as students were preparing to mobilise for a mass protest at Fajuyi Park, Ado-Ekiti.
According to the NANS President, the Attorney General invited all parties involved in the legal tussle to a meeting, where each side was given the opportunity to express their views. At the conclusion of the engagement, the state's chief law officer appealed to the students to suspend their planned demonstration and assured them that he would do everything within his power to secure Adio's release as early as Thursday, July 30, 2026.
"We remain hopeful that justice will prevail and that our comrade will regain his freedom as promised," Comrade Afeez stated in the official communication.
The development marks a significant de-escalation in a crisis that had threatened to disrupt public order in the state. Adio, the immediate past SUG President of FUOYE, was remanded in prison custody by a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, July 27, 2026, over a case he had personally instituted before the court. His remand sparked outrage within the student community, with NANS describing the court's decision as "judicial rascality" and a gross violation of his fundamental rights.
The controversy stems from a case Adio initiated after private, consensual moments between him and another adult were allegedly recorded and circulated on social media without his consent. NANS maintained that Adio was the complainant in the matter and was not initially facing any criminal charges. However, the case was allegedly turned against him through the actions of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the presiding magistrate. Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun had remanded Adio and two others in custody until August 4, 2026, for hearing on bail application.
In response to the remand, NANS had issued a 48-hour ultimatum and directed its Ekiti State chapters to begin widespread mobilisation for peaceful demonstrations at the Ekiti State High Court, the Magistrate Court, and the office of the DPP. The planned protest, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, was aimed at demanding Adio's immediate and unconditional release.
However, the intervention by the Ekiti State Attorney General, whose identity has not been officially disclosed in the NANS statement, has now halted the planned protest. While the specific name of the Attorney General was not mentioned, public records indicate that the position is held by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, who has served as the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
The NANS President expressed deep appreciation for the Attorney General's "fatherly intervention and his commitment to resolving this issue through dialogue rather than confrontation." He appealed to all students in Ekiti State and the wider student community to maintain the status quo and remain peaceful while allowing the process to run its course.
"On behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Students, I sincerely appreciate the Attorney General of Ekiti State for his fatherly intervention and his commitment to resolving this issue through dialogue rather than confrontation," the statement read. "As we all await the release of our dear brother, Comrade Adio, tomorrow, I hereby appeal to all comrades in Ekiti State and the entire student community to maintain the status quo and remain peaceful while we allow this process to run its course."
The case has highlighted the tensions between student activists and judicial authorities in Nigeria, with NANS consistently calling for due process in the handling of disciplinary and legal matters involving the former student leader. Adio's earlier suspension from FUOYE, which the university senate has since lifted, was reportedly unrelated to the current suit.
As the nation awaits the promised release of Comrade Adio, the NANS leadership has made it clear that it will continue to monitor the situation closely. The association has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian students and promoting the rule of law, while also appealing for calm and restraint from its members.
"Aluta Continua!" the NANS President concluded in his statement.
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