Students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, were among 52 persons remanded in prisons at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre for malicious damage and armed robbery by the Benin High Court.
The presiding Judge, Justice William Aziegbemi, who gave the verdict on Monday, said he lacked jurisdiction and asked counsel representing the defendants to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court.
He also adjourned the case to February 26, 2026 for hearing.
The suspects were arraigned through an exparte motion filed by police counsel, P. O Odion.
After the verdict, relatives burst into tears as the suspects were led into a black Maria van.
A man, whose two sons were arrested and gave his name Abdulsalam, said his children didn’t participate in the protest.
Some counsel for the suspects described as bogus charges of malicious damage, armed robbery, preferred against their client
Wisdom Isaac said nobody made any complaints against the suspects.
Ejemi Etinbowei said the students never organised the protest but the family of a kidnap victim that was found dead in the bush last Friday.
Many of the students said they were sleeping in their hostels when they were arrested at about 3am and driven in a black maria to Benin for arraignment.
One of the students, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Most of us were arrested early in the morning at about 3am when we were sleeping. I was not involved in the protest or looting.”
However, the zone has been embroiled in crisis after a peaceful protest over insecurity that took place on Saturday turned violent.
Hoodlums hijacked the protest, attacked traders and set tyres on the road to prevent vehicular movement, which was all captured in a viral video.
They also attacked and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an act which was condemned by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
It was gathered that the suspects were arrested at various locations in Ekpoma.
