Detained AAU Students Regain Freedom Following Governor’s Intervention
Detained AAU Students Regain Freedom Following Governor’s Intervention
In a major development that has calmed rising tensions across Edo State, 52 detained students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) have regained their freedom. The students were released on Thursday, January 15, 2026, following a directive from the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, after days of high-stakes negotiations and public outcry. This release marks the end of a frantic week for the university community. Families can finally breathe.
The students had been remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre by a Federal High Court earlier in the week. Their detention stemmed from a protest that rocked Ekpoma last Saturday, aimed at decrying the rising wave of kidnappings and insecurity in the region. While the demonstration began peacefully, authorities claimed it was hijacked by criminal elements, leading to property damage and the arrest of dozens of young people.
The Context: From Peaceful Protest to Prison Cells
The trouble began on January 10, 2026, when students and residents took to the streets of Ekpoma. Their demand was simple: security.
Reports verified by local sources indicate the community has been plagued by unchecked abductions, sparking frustration among the youth. However, the narrative quickly shifted. Law enforcement officials reported that the protest devolved into violence, with allegations of attacks on traders, the slaughter of livestock, and vandalism at the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II.
In the aftermath, police swept through the area. Fifty-two individuals were arrested and charged with malicious damage and armed robbery, charges that carry severe penalties under Nigerian law. The swift remand order shocked the student body. The campus was on edge.
The Analysis: Diplomacy Over Force
The release of these students wasn’t just a legal procedure; it was a political maneuver.
Governor Okpebholo’s involvement was the turning point. After a closed-door meeting with the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Osadebamwen Ehizojie Michael, the Governor publicly acknowledged that intelligence reports suggested the violence was perpetrated by “non-students” loitering around the campus. This distinction was critical. It shifted the blame from the student body to external hoodlums.
Key Data Points:
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Total Detainees Released: 52
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Detention Center: Ubiaja Correctional Centre
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Government Debt Acknowledged: ₦41 Billion (salary arrears owed to AAU staff)
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Subvention Increase: From ₦41 million to ₦500 million (proposed by current admin)
The release strategy involved high-profile figures. Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, flew into Benin City specifically to facilitate the release, signaling that the federal government was watching closely. “Dialogue works,” Olawande stated on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the voices of young Nigerians deserve protection.
Expert Opinions & Stakeholder Reactions
The resolution has drawn mixed reactions from observers and officials.
Governor Monday Okpebholo took a firm but conciliatory stance. Addressing the released students at the Government House in Benin City, he warned against being used as pawns. “I was highly in pain when I saw what was happening,” the Governor said. “But don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so that you can be like us.”
On the other hand, the AAU Alumni Association had earlier condemned the arrests as “unlawful and unconstitutional.” Dr. Clifford Omozeghian, the association’s president, argued that picking up students from hostels without warrants violated fundamental human rights. It’s a double-edged sword. While the release is a victory, the initial arrests have left a scar of distrust between the students and the police.
Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, praised the Governor’s “decisiveness and humility.” He noted that verification processes were put in place to ensure only genuine students were released to the SUG leadership.
Future Outlook: What Next for AAU?
The immediate crisis is over, but the underlying issues remain.
The Governor has pledged to revitalize the institution, citing a staggering ₦41 billion debt in salary arrears left by the previous administration. He also noted that monthly subventions were historically too low to keep the lights on. The bottom line is money. Without financial restructuring, the university remains fragile.
Students have been urged to return to class, but the security concerns that triggered the protest—kidnapping in Ekpoma—must be addressed. If the insecurity continues, the peace secured this week may be short-lived. The state government has promised to crush the criminal networks operating in Esan West, but residents will be watching for action, not just words.
Video Reference: For a visual breakdown of the events leading to the release, watch this report: AAU Protest Crisis: 52 Students Walk Free.
This video is relevant because it provides a visual confirmation of the release and breaks down the timeline of the student protest and subsequent government intervention.
