Court remands students and others after Edo protest turns violent
Students from Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo State, are among 52 people remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following charges of malicious damage and armed robbery. The suspects were arraigned at the Benin High Court, where Justice William Aziegbemi stated he lacked jurisdiction and advised bail applications be filed at the Ubiaja High Court. The case has been adjourned, and relatives of the accused were visibly distressed as the suspects were taken away. Lawyers and some family members have disputed the charges and the involvement of the students in the protest.
What happened
- Justice William Aziegbemi remanded 52 suspects, including students, on charges of malicious damage and armed robbery.
- The suspects were arraigned through an exparte motion filed by police counsel, P. O Odion.
- Lawyers for the accused argued that the charges were unfounded and that many students were arrested while sleeping in their hostels.
- The protest in Ekpoma, initially peaceful, turned violent when hoodlums attacked traders and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II.
- Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the attack on the palace, and the suspects were arrested at different locations in Ekpoma.
