Akpoti-Uduaghan slams arrest, detention of Edo university students
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has condemned the arrest and continued detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, by security operatives following a recent protest in Edo State.
In a statement on Tuesday, the senator described the action as a violation of the students’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. She warned that criminalising peaceful protests could undermine democracy and deepen public distrust in security institutions.
Akpoti-Uduaghan called for the immediate and unconditional release of the students, urging the Edo State Government and relevant security agencies to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.
The lawmaker stressed that students have the right to express grievances through peaceful means, adding that dialogue, rather than force, should be the preferred approach to resolving disputes within academic communities.
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She also appealed to authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the detained students, insisting that they should not be subjected to intimidation or inhumane treatment while in custody.
As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official response to the senator’s call.
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