By Adesakin Adefemi
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has confirmed formation of a three‑member verification committee to review the list of 52 persons remanded at Ubiaja Correctional Centre after the Jan 4 protest against kidnapping in Ekpoma turned violent.
Led by Chairman Odiahai Thomas Ikhine, with AAU SUG President Osedabamen Michael as Secretary and JCC Edo Axis Chairman Yakubu Peter Odion as member, the panel is tasked with submitting its findings by noon today to fast‑track release of confirmed students, as promised by the Edo State Government.
NANS President Comrade Olushola Oladoja reiterated that the union’s “four‑C” approach Consultation, Consolidation, Communication before Confrontation guided its response, ensuring dialogue with the DSS, Edo State Police, university management and state officials preceded any mass action. “We will not be provoked into chaos,” he said, “but we will not sit idle while innocent students are jailed for exercising their rights.”
Preliminary investigations reveal that not all 52 detainees are students some are alleged to be non‑academic residents or opportunists who joined the protest.
NANS, however, maintains that even one student wrongfully detained is one too many and demands unconditional release of all verified undergraduates, a stance backed by human‑rights groups and the Nigerian Bar Association Youth Wing.
The union also condemns the “premature and unlawful arraignment” of the suspects on charges of armed robbery, malicious damage, and arson labels it describes as “fabricated” and “politically motivated.” Legal counsel has filed a bail application for Feb 26, but NANS insists the students should never have been jailed in the first place — especially when no formal investigation preceded their detention.
In a meeting with the Edo State Commissioner for Education and the Vice‑Chancellor of AAU, NANS secured written assurance that once the committee identifies bona‑fide students, they will be released “without condition or delay.” The university has also pledged to provide legal aid and temporary accommodation for affected students upon release.
The protest that sparked the arrests began peacefully on Jan 4, denouncing abductions including the murder of a female lecturer and kidnapping of a local businessman but was hijacked by unknown elements who vandalised the Onojie’s palace and campaign billboards.
Police used this as pretext for a midnight sweep of student hostels, arresting 52 people, many still in pajamas, and parading them before a Benin City magistrate the next day.
Civil‑society groups warn that the episode reflects a broader pattern of state repression against youth voices. “If students can be jailed for demanding safety, what hope is there for ordinary citizens?” asked a spokesperson for Take It Back Movement, which is organizing a solidarity vigil outside the Ubiaja prison on Jan 15.
Insecurity in Ekpoma persists — a fresh abduction was caught on CCTV on Jan 11, underscoring the “tragic irony” of punishing students while kidnappers roam free.
NANS calls on the Inspector‑General of Police to launch an independent probe into the police operation and on the Edo State Assembly to summon the Commissioner of Police for questioning.
NANS urges all students to remain calm and law‑abiding “Aluta continua, victoria ascerta!”as the union escalates pressure on authorities. “We will not rest until every innocent student walks free, and every corrupt official is held accountable,” Oladoja declared.
The committee’s report is due at noon today, and NANS is ready to mobilise nationwide if promises are broken.
