52 suspects arrested in Ekpoma for looting, vandalism — IGP

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has refuted allegations that police officers detained peaceful demonstrators in Ekpoma, Edo State.

He stated that the 52 individuals taken into custody were engaged in criminal activities during the protest.

It is important to note that the detention of the demonstrators, the majority of whom were students from Ambrose Alli University, provoked strong reactions from the parents of those arrested, particularly after they were remanded at Ubiaja Prisons by the state high court in Benin City.

In an interview on Crime Buster with Desmond, episode six, over the weekend, Egbetokun remarked that the police are often unjustly blamed for acts of violence that transpire amidst protests.

"This is the typical false narrative directed at the police. When individuals commit criminal acts during protests, we are accustomed to the claims that the police apprehended peaceful demonstrators.

"Even those who set fire to police stations, killed police officers, and stole our firearms during protests, Nigerians will accuse us of arresting individuals engaged in peaceful protest," the IGP stated.

He further emphasized that the police have no objections to peaceful demonstrations and will continue to safeguard citizens who opt to protest lawfully.

He added: "In the instance of Ekpoma, certainly, the police will not pursue anyone who took part in a peaceful protest. We are not opposed to peaceful protest.

"We have reiterated this numerous times and will continue to assert that the police will not hinder anyone who wishes to engage in a peaceful protest. If you wish to participate in a peaceful protest, what concern is it of ours? We will ensure your protection."

However, the IGP noted that the police would not condone criminal behavior disguised as protests, stating that "peaceful protest does not pose a challenge to the police; it is those individuals who seek to commit crimes, engage in violence, vandalize property, and loot stores during protests. Those are the individuals we have issues with.

“In Ekpoma, yes, 52 of them were arrested during the protest, and those 52, from the report coming to me, are those people who were involved in the looting of shops and the vandalising of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma.

“That was the report I have, not arrest and detention of peaceful protesters. No. That’s the usual wrong narrative that we are used to in Nigeria. So I debunk that.”

It is important to note that the Federal High Court in Edo State has remanded 52 protesters on charges of alleged malicious damage and armed robbery, which occurred during a protest against kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA.

The detained protesters, which included students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were apprehended after a demonstration on January 10 escalated into violence, resulting in the vandalism and looting of shops and other properties.

The presiding judge has postponed the case until February 26 for further hearing and has mandated that the suspects be held at the Ubiaja Prisons.

Residents of Ekpoma and surrounding communities took to the streets to voice their concerns over the increasing incidents of kidnapping in the region, marching along major roads while holding placards and demanding government action.

Nevertheless, the AAU students who were detained in relation to the protest have been released, following an order from Governor Monday Okpebholo.