You Negotiate With Bandits, But Arrest Students Protesting Insecurity — Atiku Slams APC Government

APC Govt Negotiating With Terrorists – Atiku Slams Edo, FG Over Arrests in Ekpoma

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government and the Edo State Government over the arrest, arraignment, and remand of 52 individuals in Ekpoma, Edo State, following protests against rising insecurity in the area. Atiku described the actions of authorities as intolerant, heavy-handed, and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of free expression and peaceful assembly.

The development has drawn national attention to how Nigerian authorities respond to protests linked to insecurity, particularly kidnappings and violent crimes affecting local communities. It has also reopened public debate about the balance between maintaining law and order and respecting citizens’ fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution.

Ejes Gist News reports that the arrests followed a protest that began as a peaceful demonstration by residents and youths in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, against a wave of kidnappings and killings that have unsettled the community in recent months.

Background to the Ekpoma Protests

Ekpoma, a university town and commercial hub in Edo Central Senatorial District, has experienced repeated security incidents, including abductions and killings, which residents say have strained daily life and economic activity.

Key incidents that triggered the protest

According to community accounts and police briefings, the protest was sparked by:

• The recent abduction of a young woman identified as Akhabhe Favour.
• The killing of a young man on January 9, 2026.
• Persistent reports of kidnappings along roads and within surrounding communities.

Residents, including youths and students, organised a protest to draw attention to what they described as inadequate security measures and slow responses from authorities.

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From peaceful protest to unrest

Witnesses stated that the protest initially remained peaceful, with demonstrators chanting and holding placards calling for improved security. However, the situation later deteriorated, leading to:

• Looting at a livestock market.
• Vandalisation of the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, the traditional ruler of the town.
• Destruction of property in parts of the community.

Security agencies were deployed to restore order, resulting in multiple arrests.

Arrests and Arraignment of 52 Suspects

Following the unrest, security operatives arrested 52 individuals in Ekpoma and its environs. The arrests became the central issue in Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of both the Federal Government and the Edo State Government.

Charges filed against the suspects

The suspects were arraigned on Monday before Justice William Aziegbemi of the Benin High Court. According to court documents, they face several charges, including:

• Armed robbery.
• Arson.
• Malicious damage to property.
• Other related offences arising from the disturbance.

Jurisdictional ruling and remand

During proceedings, Justice Aziegbemi ruled that the Benin High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. The judge directed the defence counsel to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court.

As a result:

• The suspects were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
• The case was adjourned until 26 February 2026.

The remand order and the seriousness of the charges have intensified public scrutiny of how the arrests were carried out and whether due process was adequately observed.

Atiku Abubakar’s Response and Criticism

In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku Abubakar condemned the arrests and detention of the 52 individuals, describing them as an assault on constitutional rights.

Allegations of intolerance and repression

Atiku argued that the response of authorities to the Ekpoma protest reflected a broader pattern of intolerance under the current administration.

“The level of intolerance and high-handedness of the Bola Tinubu administration is concerning,” Atiku said.

He specifically criticised the arrest and detention of what he described as students and citizens protesting against insecurity.

“It is unacceptable that the authorities’ response to students’ protest against insecurity in Ekpoma is to arrest and detain dozens of students,” he added.

Right to protest and judicial precedent

The former vice-president referenced judicial decisions that have affirmed the right of Nigerians to peaceful protest, arguing that such rulings should protect citizens from repression when they express grievances.

According to Atiku, protests against insecurity are a legitimate exercise of constitutional rights, not criminal acts warranting mass arrests.

Claim of negotiating with terrorists

Atiku also made a broader accusation against the Federal Government’s approach to insecurity.

“If the energy with which innocent students and citizens are arrested were deployed to fighting terrorism and banditry, instead of negotiating with criminals, our communities would be safer,” he said.

The comment echoes long-standing criticism from opposition figures who argue that the government has been inconsistent or ineffective in dealing with armed groups across the country.

Call for release of detainees

Atiku concluded his statement by calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested, insisting that dialogue and effective security reforms, rather than repression, are required to address the root causes of insecurity.

Edo State Government’s Position

The Edo State Government has rejected Atiku’s claims, insisting that those arrested were not peaceful protesters or students but individuals involved in criminal activity.

Description of the incident as a riot

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Monday Okpebholo, the state government described the Ekpoma disturbance as a “well-organised riot.”

The government alleged that:

• The unrest was not spontaneous.
• Certain individuals, including a Nigerian resident in Russia and others abroad, were involved in coordinating the violence.
• The actions went beyond lawful protest and constituted criminal behaviour.

Denial that students were targeted

Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary, disputed claims that students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) were arrested from their hostels.

He stated that:

• AAU had been closed for some time before the protest.
• Students had vacated hostels long before the incident.
• Those arrested were not picked up from their beds, contrary to claims by some relatives.

According to the state government, portraying the suspects as innocent students was misleading and inconsistent with available evidence.

Role of Ambrose Alli University in the Narrative

Ambrose Alli University, located in Ekpoma, has been central to public perception of the incident due to its large student population.

University closure and student status

The state government has emphasised that:

• The university was not in session at the time of the protest.
• Hostels were largely empty.
• There was no official student protest organised by the institution.

However, some families of the arrested individuals have maintained that their relatives are students or youths who joined the protest out of frustration with insecurity.

Police Response and Redeployment

The Edo State Police Command has announced administrative changes following the unrest.

Redeployment of Divisional Police Officer

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpoma was redeployed, with:

• CSP Tomofe Nwabueze posted to Ekpoma with immediate effect.

The redeployment was described as part of efforts to stabilise the area and restore public confidence.

Reorganisation of Ekpoma Division

Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika announced a reorganisation of the Ekpoma Police Division, aimed at:

• Improving intelligence gathering.
• Strengthening patrols.
• Preventing a recurrence of violent incidents.

Police authorities stated that the measures were necessary to address security gaps exposed by the protest and subsequent unrest.

Postponement of School Resumption

In response to the disturbances, the Edo State Government announced the postponement of school resumption in Edo Central Senatorial District.

Safety considerations

According to government officials, the decision was taken to:

• Ensure the safety of students and staff.
• Allow security agencies to stabilise the area.
• Prevent further unrest linked to the Ekpoma incident.

The postponement has affected primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions within the district, with new resumption dates to be communicated later.

Legal and Constitutional Implications

The Ekpoma arrests raise broader legal questions about the handling of protests and the application of criminal law.

Right to peaceful assembly

Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association. Courts have, in several rulings, affirmed that citizens may protest government actions, provided such protests remain peaceful.

Legal analysts note that:

• The classification of an event as a protest or a riot has significant legal consequences.
• Evidence of violence, arson, or looting can lawfully justify arrests.
• Mass arrests without clear individualised evidence risk violating due process.

Jurisdictional issues in court

The ruling by Justice William Aziegbemi that the Benin High Court lacked jurisdiction highlights procedural complexities in the case.

Observers point out that:

• Jurisdictional errors can delay justice.
• Prolonged remand without trial raises human rights concerns.
• Bail considerations will be central at the Ubiaja High Court.

Government response to protests

Federal and state authorities have often insisted on maintaining public order, mosttimes resulting in:

• Arrests of protesters.
• Deployment of security forces.
• Legal actions against organisers.

Human rights groups have repeatedly called for restraint and dialogue, particularly where protests begin peacefully.