Tears As Court Orders Remand Of Arrested Ekpoma Protesters At Edo Correctional Centre
The Edo State High Court has ordered the remand of some youths arrested over a protest that rocked Ekpoma in the Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
The decision followed a plea by the prosecution for a 14-day remand period in custody. Emotional scenes unfolded at the court, with some of the protesters and their relatives wailing as those arrested were moved into a waiting vehicle.
The protest, which took place last weekend, saw angry youths demonstrating against the spate of kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in Ekpoma.
A viral video circulating on social media showed residents in the Edo Central region protesting the rising cases of kidnappings and killings. Some people, suspected to be cattle breeders, were seen fleeing a market upon sighting the protesters.
Police: Protest “Hijacked”
The police said they intervened to restore peace when the protest was “hijacked”, resulting in malicious damage, looting of property and vandalisation of shops.
They also noted that a military personnel discharged a firearm at a protester.
In a statement, the police explained that the Area Commander in Ekpoma mobilised personnel in strategic collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the protest remained peaceful.
However, the rules of peaceful protest were allegedly ignored. Additional reinforcements were later deployed from the State Command Headquarters in Benin to resolve the situation and prevent further escalation.
Those identified as participating in acts of violence and vandalism were arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
Injured Youth And Police Assurances
The police confirmed that a 32-year-old man, Osagie Abraham, was shot during the protest and is receiving medical attention in Ekpoma. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.
The military personnel involved in the shooting has been identified, and the appropriate authorities have been notified for administrative and disciplinary action.
The police reiterated that citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, which must be conducted responsibly and without infringing on the rights and safety of others.
Source :Channelstvhttps://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/12/tears-as-court-orders-remand-of-arrested-ekpoma-protesters-in-prison/
Image Credit: Channelstv
