IGP Finally Speaks Out On Ekpoma Protest, Confirms Arrest Of 52 Suspects

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has rejected allegations that police officers arrested peaceful demonstrators during the recent protest in Ekpoma, Edo State, stating that those detained were involved in criminal acts.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Egbetokun explained that the 52 individuals arrested were not law-abiding protesters but suspects accused of looting, vandalising property and engaging in violent conduct during the demonstration.

The arrests triggered widespread public criticism, particularly from parents of the suspects, many of whom are students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Tensions escalated further after an Edo State High Court in Benin City ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, fuelling claims that the police were targeting peaceful protesters.

Speaking during the weekend on Crime Buster with Desmond, Egbetokun said the police were familiar with what he described as misleading narratives that often follow violent incidents disguised as protests.

“This is a common false narrative against the police. Whenever crimes are committed during protests, people often claim that peaceful protesters were arrested,” he said.

He lamented that the police are frequently blamed even in situations where officers are attacked, stations are burnt and weapons are stolen.

“Even when police stations are destroyed, officers killed and arms carted away during protests, Nigerians still accuse the police of arresting peaceful demonstrators,” he added.

Police Support Peaceful Protests

The IGP reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force has no objection to peaceful demonstrations and remains committed to protecting citizens who exercise their rights lawfully.

“In Ekpoma, the police would never arrest anyone who participated in a peaceful protest. We are not against peaceful protests,” he said.

He stressed that demonstrators have nothing to fear as long as their actions remain within the law.

“We have said it repeatedly that the police will not stop anyone who comes out for a peaceful protest. In fact, we will protect them,” Egbetokun noted.

However, he warned that the police would act decisively against criminal behaviour carried out under the guise of protest.

“Peaceful protest is not a problem for the police. Our concern is with those who use protests to commit crimes, unleash violence, destroy property and loot shops,” he said.

Egbetokun maintained that the arrests in Ekpoma were based strictly on reported criminal activities during the protest.

“In Ekpoma, 52 persons were arrested, and based on reports available to me, they were involved in looting shops and vandalising the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma. They were not peaceful protesters. That narrative is false, and I completely debunk it,” he stated.

Following the January 10 protest against rising kidnapping cases in Ekpoma, a Federal High Court remanded 52 suspects over alleged armed robbery and malicious damage. The demonstration, which included students of Ambrose Alli University, reportedly turned violent, resulting in the destruction and looting of properties.

The court adjourned the case to February 26 and ordered the suspects to be held at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.

Residents of Ekpoma and surrounding communities had earlier staged the protest to demand urgent government action against insecurity, marching through major roads with placards.

However, after public pressure and intervention by the Edo State Government, the detained Ambrose Alli University students were later released on the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo, easing tensions among families and the university community, even as discussions continue over protest management and civil liberties in Nigeria.