The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the continued detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, following their protest against rising kidnappings and worsening insecurity in the state. In a statement on Monday, NANS described the detention as “ridiculous, unacceptable, and deeply disturbing,” insisting that the students were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“Peaceful protest is not a crime, and demanding safety should never be met with repression,” the students’ body said, accusing the Edo State government, AAU management, and the Nigeria Police Force of failing to protect students while resorting to intimidation, harassment, and psychological trauma. NANS urged authorities to guarantee the physical and mental wellbeing of the detained students, stressing that their safety must not be compromised under any circumstances.
The association demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all students, warning that any delay or justification for their continued detention would be seen as oppression against the Nigerian student community. “It is alarming that instead of addressing the genuine concerns of kidnapping and insecurity affecting campuses and host communities, authorities have chosen to criminalise students for speaking out,” NANS said.
The 52 students were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre by a Benin High Court over alleged charges of malicious damage and armed robbery. Justice William Aziegbemi ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction and directed defence counsel to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court, adjourning the matter to February 26, 2026. NANS reaffirmed its solidarity with the students and pledged to use lawful means to secure their release if the detention persists.
