The Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association (Worldwide) have demanded an immediate public apology and disciplinary action against police officers involved in the arrest and detention of students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, describing the action as unlawful and a grave violation of constitutional rights.
In a statement signed and released by its Worldwide President, Clifford Omozeghian, on Wednesday, the association accused operatives of the Nigeria Police Force of harassing and unlawfully arresting students who protested against worsening insecurity and repeated kidnapping incidents in Ekpoma.
According to the alumni body, the arrests amounted to “a flagrant abuse of power, a direct assault on constitutional democracy, and a gross violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.”
The association expressed outrage over reports that some students were arrested in their hostels and private residences without lawful warrants, due process, or notification of parents and guardians.
“Let it be stated without equivocation that students are not criminals, and peaceful protest is not a crime,” Omozeghian said, insisting that the actions of the police were unjustifiable and oppressive.
The alumni association issued a list of firm demands, including an immediate, public, and unreserved apology by the Edo State Commissioner of Police to the Ambrose Alli University community within 24 hours, as well as the unconditional release of all students arrested in connection with the protest.
It further called for a transparent and independent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, insisting that appropriate disciplinary sanctions be applied to all personnel and institutions found culpable in the unlawful arrests, detention, and harassment of students.
“The association demands an immediate, public, and unreserved apology by the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to the Ambrose Alli University community within twenty-four (24) hours.
“A transparent, independent investigation and appropriate disciplinary action against all officers and institutions found culpable in the unlawful arrest, detention, and harassment of students.
“An urgent review of the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detentions, including the operational conduct of the police,” the statement stressed.
While condemning the police action, the alumni association commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for the steps taken to stabilise the university, including the payment of salary arrears and the reinstatement of previously dismissed staff, describing his interventions as signs of responsive leadership.
The statement concluded with a warning that failure to meet these demands would compel the association to pursue all lawful avenues to protect students’ rights and uphold the rule of law.
PUNCH Online reported that the arrests followed a protest on Saturday, initially aimed at highlighting insecurity in Ekpoma, which later turned violent after suspected hoodlums hijacked the demonstration, attacked traders, and set tyres on the roads to block vehicular movement.
Several activists and politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, condemned the arrests, describing them as a suppression of democratic expression.
However, the Edo State Government dismissed reports describing the unrest as a student protest, insisting that the incident was a “coordinated riot aimed at destabilising the state.”
On Wednesday, the State Government announced that 38 students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, arrested during unrest will be released.
The Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, told Channels Television on The Morning Brief on Wednesday that while some students were freed on Tuesday, others would regain their freedom later on Wednesday.
Leave a comment