The Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association (Worldwide) has demanded an immediate public apology from the police authorities over the arrest and detention of some students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
The Alumni in a statement on Wednesday also demanded that disciplinary action be taken against the police officers involved in the arrest saga.
The statement which was signed by AAU Worldwide President, Dr. Clifford Omozeghian stressed that the police action was nothing but unlawful and a grave violation of constitutional rights.
The body accused police of harassing and unlawfully arresting students who protested against worsening insecurity and repeated kidnapping incidents in Ekpoma.
The association expressed outrage over reports that some students were arrested in their hostels and private residences without lawful warrants, due process, or notification of parents and guardians.
“Let it be stated without equivocation that students are not criminals, and peaceful protest is not a crime,” Omozeghian said, insisting that the actions of the police were unjustifiable and oppressive.
The alumni association issued a list of firm demands, including an immediate, public, and unreserved apology by the Edo State Commissioner of Police to the Ambrose Alli University community within 24 hours, as well as the unconditional release of all students arrested in connection with the protest.
It further called for a transparent and independent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, insisting that appropriate disciplinary sanctions be applied to all personnel and institutions found culpable in the unlawful arrests, detention, and harassment of students.
“The association demands an immediate, public, and unreserved apology by the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to the Ambrose Alli University community within twenty-four (24) hours.
“A transparent, independent investigation and appropriate disciplinary action against all officers and institutions found culpable in the unlawful arrest, detention, and harassment of students.
“An urgent review of the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detentions, including the operational conduct of the police,” the statement stressed.
While condemning the police action, the alumni association commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for steps taken to stabilise the university, including the payment of salary arrears and the reinstatement of previously dismissed staff, describing his interventions as signs of responsive leadership.
The statement concluded with a warning that failure to meet these demands would compel the association to pursue all lawful avenues to protect students’ rights and uphold the rule of law.
About 38 persons were arrested in Edo following a protest on Saturday, initially aimed at highlighting insecurity in Ekpoma, which later turned violent after suspected hoodlums hijacked the demonstration, attacking traders, and setting tyres on the roads to block vehicular movement.
