The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the continued detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were remanded after a protest against the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in Edo State.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, NANS described the detention of the students as “ridiculous, unacceptable, and deeply disturbing.” The association insisted that students exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest should not be subjected to intimidation, harassment, or psychological trauma.
“Peaceful protest is not a crime, and demanding safety should never be met with repression,” the statement said.
NANS called on the Edo State Government, the management of Ambrose Alli University, and the Nigeria Police Force to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of the detained students, stressing that their physical and mental health must be protected at all times.
The student body demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all the students, warning that any attempt to delay or justify their detention would be seen as a deliberate act of oppression against Nigerian students.
The association also criticised authorities for allegedly criminalising students rather than addressing the worsening insecurity affecting schools and their host communities.
“It is alarming that instead of addressing the genuine concerns of kidnapping and insecurity, authorities have chosen to criminalise students for speaking out. This approach is counterproductive, unjust, and capable of escalating tension,” NANS added.
NANS reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected students and their families, vowing to mobilise and take all lawful actions necessary should the students not be released immediately.
“Nigerian students deserve safety, not suppression,” the statement concluded.
The 52 students were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre by the Benin High Court on charges including malicious damage and armed robbery. Justice William Aziegbemi, who presided over the matter on Monday, ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction and directed the defence counsel to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court.
The case has been adjourned to February 26, 2026.
Some of the detained students reportedly told journalists that they were arrested around 3 a.m. in their hostels and were not involved in the protest or the violence that followed. The protest was later hijacked by hoodlums who allegedly attacked traders, burned tyres, and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II.
Relatives of the students were seen in tears as the detainees were taken away in a Black Maria vehicle.
