The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has condemned the arrest and detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
The students were arrested following a protest against rising kidnappings in Ekpoma and remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre on charges of malicious damage and robbery.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CAPPA described the action as “absurd, unjust, and morally bankrupt,” accusing the Edo State Government and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force of punishing victims while kidnappers continue to operate freely.
According to eyewitness accounts, security operatives carried out a midnight raid on student hostels around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, forcibly entering rooms and arresting students, including some reportedly unconnected to the protest.
The protest, held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, was organised by students and community members to demand improved security following repeated abductions around hostels and school routes. CAPPA noted that another kidnapping was reportedly captured on CCTV a day after the protest, reinforcing concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.
Reacting to the arrests, CAPPA said the state’s response reflects a failure of governance.
“Instead of hunting kidnappers who operate openly, the government is punishing innocent victims who simply asked for protection,” the organisation said.
Speaking further, Zikora Ibeh, Assistant Executive Director of CAPPA, said peaceful protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right, warning that insecurity is crippling education and daily life in Ekpoma.
CAPPA called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to drop all charges and release the students immediately, while also demanding an independent investigation into the arrests.
“Jailing frightened students will not stop kidnappings,” the organisation said.
“Only genuine political will and commitment to public safety will.”
