Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the dozens of students of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, who were arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Atiku, who made the call via his official X handle on Tuesday, stated that the students were unjustifiably detained for asserting their legitimate rights to protest.
TheFact Daily gathered that about 52 people, including AAU students were arrested by the police during the protest.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, the 52 persons arrested were suspected to have participated in acts of vandalism, assault occasioning harm, looting, rioting, cruelty to animals among other acts, causing disorder, and undermining public safety.
He said the arrested hoodlums also allegedly forcibly entered the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Anthony Ehizogie Abumere, assaulting him and his wife while they maliciously destroyed his property.
While reiterating that no peaceful protester was arrested, but were rather charged to go home and maintain peace, the CP said the arrested suspects have since been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.
However, former Vice President Atiku said the right to protest is not only enshrined in the constitution but has also been validated by the courts.
He noted if the energy with which innocent students and citizens were arrested for raising concerns about insecurity were deployed to fighting terrorism and banditry, instead of negotiating with the criminals, the nation’s communities would be safer.
“I wish to remind the Tinubu-led APC administration that the primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of the citizens,” he added.
