By Ayodele Oni
A Benin City High Court in Edo State has ordered the remand of 52 suspects arraigned in connection with a protest in Ekpoma last Saturday.
The High Court, citing lack of jurisdiction, ordered that all the suspects should be remanded at Ubiaja Correctional facilities till February.
The suspects, including, students of Ambrose Alli University, (AAU) Ekpoma, Edo State were on Monday arraigned at the Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City for their involvement in a violent protest at Ekpoma, Esan West local government area of the State on Saturday.
Residents of Ekpoma had embarked on the protest over incessant kidnappings and killings as many victims were abducted from their residence and ransoms demanded.
The protest turned violent as several shops were looted and the Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma vandalised.
It was gathered that the suspects were arrested at various locations in Ekpoma.
Many of the students said they were sleeping inside their hostels when they were arrested at about 3am.
They were driven in a black maria to Benin City, the Edo State capital where they were arraigned.
At the court premises, relatives of the victims were seen loitering around and looking worried.
A man, whose two sons were arrested and gave his name Abdulsalam, said his children never participated in the protest.
The suspects were arraigned through an Exparte Motion filed by Police Counsel, P. O Odion.
Presiding Judge, Justice Wlliam Aziegbemi, said he lacked jurisdiction and asked Counsel representing the defendants to file bail application at the Ubiaja High Court.
He remanded the suspects to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to February 26th, 2026 for hearing.
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