Okpebholo orders release of AAU students wrongly arrested in Ekpoma unrest

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed the immediate release of innocent Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma students who were arrested during last weekend’s violent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan South-West Local Government Area. The students were among 52 people remanded at Ubiaja Correctional Centre over alleged involvement in the disturbance.

Business Hallmark had reported that many, including Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, criticised the arrest and demanded for their release.

The governor’s decision followed a meeting with the President of the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG), Comrade Osadebamen Ehizogie Michael, where the events leading to the arrests and security concerns were extensively discussed.

Okpebholo explained that intelligence gathered by the state government indicated that the unrest was not a student protest, but a coordinated effort by a group calling itself the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” -primarily former students loitering around the university who engage in unlawful activities.

“I have met with the SUG President of AAU Ekpoma, and as I have consistently said, this was not a students’ protest. These are individuals who are no longer students but are causing trouble and extorting students. We will put an end to that,” he said.

The governor assured that any bona fide students mistakenly caught in the sweep would be identified and released promptly. “For students who were probably arrested, we will look into it and get them released to the SUG President. That is a promise I made, and I will do it as quickly as possible,” he added.

Okpebholo dismissed claims linking the unrest to kidnappings, describing such reports as staged to mislead the public and stir tension. He condemned the destruction of property and warned that anyone, irrespective of status, found using hoodlums to destabilise communities would face justice.

“The protest was not theirs. In fact, it was never a protest—it was an avenue to loot,” the governor said.

Reinforcing the state government’s position, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of AAU, Prof. Andrew Eromonsele, confirmed that no arrests were made within the university campus.

The SUG President echoed this view, stating: “Students did not organise any protest. It is pitiable that some people want to associate what happened with the student community. Governor Okpebholo has assured us that any students among those arrested will be released.”

Earlier, the Edo State Government had deployed the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, to facilitate the release of genuine AAU students. Speaking to journalists at Ubiaja Correctional Centre, Iyamu said: “There is a lot of misinformation on social media. The school is not in session, and the students were not involved. These are ex-students causing trouble, not the current student body.”

He added that the so-called Comrade Association had vandalised property, invaded the residence of the traditional ruler, and engaged in other criminal acts that do not reflect the character of AAU students.

The governor’s intervention comes amid nationwide scrutiny and growing concern over the arrests, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting the rights of students while maintaining law and order.

The meeting also included the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, who assured that all legitimate students would be released and allowed to return home safely.

Comrade Ehizogie commended the governor, stating that the AAU student body was grateful for the swift action and the state government’s recognition that the unrest had nothing to do with the university students.

The Edo State Government continues to investigate the actions of non-student perpetrators to prevent future disruptions and maintain peace in Ekpoma and surrounding communities.