A Federal High Court in Edo State has ordered the remand of 52 protesters over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery following an anti‑kidnapping protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
The protesters, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were arrested after a demonstration held on Saturday reportedly turned violent. Authorities said several shops and properties were vandalised and looted during the protest.
Delivering his ruling on Monday, the presiding judge, Justice William Aziegbemi, stated that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. He directed counsel to the defendants to file their bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court.
Justice Aziegbemi adjourned the case to February 26 for hearing and ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
Residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities had staged the protest to draw attention to the rising cases of kidnapping in the area. Demonstrators marched through major roads, carrying placards and calling on the government to address the growing insecurity.
However, the Edo State Police Command said the protest was later hijacked by hoodlums, leading to malicious damage, looting and vandalisation of property.
The police also confirmed that the palace of Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma, was attacked during the unrest—an act strongly condemned by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to the police, officers, alongside other security agencies, were deployed to restore order after the situation escalated. During the incident, military personnel reportedly discharged a firearm, injuring a 32‑year‑old protester identified as Osagie Abraham.
The police said the injured man is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Ekpoma, adding that military authorities have been notified to take appropriate action against the personnel involved.
The command reiterated that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest, such actions must be carried out peacefully and within the confines of the law. It also assured residents that security operations have been intensified to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
The protest followed a recent surge in kidnapping incidents in Edo State, including the abduction and killing of medical doctors, which has heightened public concern over insecurity.
