By Prosper Mene
Prominent youth advocate and activist Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, has strongly condemned the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force for the remand of 52 protesters, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, following a demonstration against rising insecurity.
The protesters were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre on Monday, January 12, 2026, by the Edo State High Court in Benin City. They face charges including malicious damage and armed robbery, stemming from a protest in Ekpoma that began peacefully but was allegedly hijacked by hoodlums, leading to vandalism, looting, and destruction of property, including the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
In appearances on News Central TV and other platforms on January 13, 2026, Mama Pee lambasted authorities for prioritizing the arrest and detention of demonstrators over tackling the root cause: rampant kidnappings and insecurity plaguing Edo State.
She stated, “Shame on the commissioner of police. He couldn’t arrest kidnappers, but he sent students to prison. People protested because they’re tired of living in fear, and now they’re behind bars.”
Mama Pee further emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, “Edo State’s situation really needs urgent attention. It’s sad that people can no longer sleep peacefully at night. The government needs to do the needful.”
The protest erupted over the weekend in response to escalating kidnappings and killings in Ekpoma and surrounding areas in Edo Central Senatorial District. Demonstrators, many of them AAU students and residents, marched with placards demanding government action to restore safety.
However, police intervened, claiming the demonstration turned violent. Reports indicate arrests occurred during night raids and early morning operations, with some suspects claiming they were taken from their homes or hostels without participating in the protest. Emotional scenes unfolded at the court as relatives wept and attempted to pass food and essentials to the detained youths.
The development has drawn widespread criticism. The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the arrests as oppressive and an abuse of power, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the 52 individuals. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the action, urging authorities to guarantee the detainees’ safety and address insecurity rather than criminalize protesters.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also weighed in, calling the arrests a suppression of youth voices and democratic expression, while civil rights group Citizens’ Gavel highlighted potential breaches of constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and fair process.
Police have maintained that the protest was hijacked, leading to criminal acts, and investigations continue.
As of January 13, 2026, the case stands adjourned to February 26, 2026, for further hearing, leaving the 52 remanded individuals in custody amid growing calls for their release and a renewed focus on combating insecurity in Edo State.
