Some students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, were among 52 persons arrested and arraigned over violent protests in Ekpoma, Esan West local government area.
Residents of Ekpoma had embarked on the protest over incessant kidnappings and killings. Many victims were also being abducted from their residence.
The protest turned violent as several shops were looted and the Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma was vandalised.
It was gathered that the suspects were arrested at various locations in Ekpoma.
Many of the students said they were sleeping inside their hostels when they were arrested at about 3am.
They were driven in a black maria to the Edo State capital where they currently were waiting to be arraigned.
At the court premises, relatives of the victims were seen loitering around and looking worried. A man, whose two sons were arrested and gave his name Abdulsalam, said his children never participated in the protest.
Relatives burst into tears as the suspects were being led into the black maria van.
The suspects were arraigned through an Ex Parte Motion filed by Police Counsel, P. O Odion.
Presiding Judge, Justice Wlliam Aziegbemi, said he lacked jurisdiction and asked Counsel representing the defendants to file bail application at the Ubiaja High Court.
He remanded the suspects to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to February 26, 2026 for a hearing.
The Edo State Police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said the suspects were arrested for engaging in violent protest.
Some counsels to the suspects said bogus charges of malicious damage, armed robbery were preferred against the suspects.
A lawyer, 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.
