Ekpoma Protest: 52 Arrested for Looting and Vandalism, Not Peaceful Protesters — IGP

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed allegations that police officers arrested peaceful protesters during the recent demonstration in Ekpoma, Edo State, clarifying that the 52 individuals detained were involved in criminal activities.

The arrests followed a protest that later turned violent, drawing public outrage—particularly from parents of those arrested, many of whom were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU)—after the suspects were remanded at Ubiaja Prisons by a state High Court in Benin City.

Speaking on Crime Buster with Desmond, episode six, over the weekend, Egbetokun said the police are often unfairly accused of targeting peaceful demonstrators whenever violence occurs during protests.

“That’s the usual false narrative against the police. When people have committed criminal offences during protests, we are used to narratives that the police arrested peaceful protesters.

“Even those who burnt down police stations, murdered policemen, stole our arms during protests, Nigerians will accuse us that we are arresting people who are on peaceful protest,” the IGP said.

He reiterated that the police have no issue with lawful demonstrations and would continue to protect citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest.

“In the case of Ekpoma, of course, the police will not go after anybody who participated in a peaceful protest. We are not against peaceful protest.

“We have made this clear many times and we continue to say it, that the police will not stop anybody who comes out for peaceful protest. If you want to come out for peaceful protest, what’s our business? We will protect you,” he added.

However, Egbetokun warned that criminal acts carried out under the guise of protest would not be tolerated.

“Peaceful protest is not a challenge to the police; it is those people who want to perpetrate crime, carry out violence, destroy property and loot shops during protest. Those are the ones we have problems with.

“In Ekpoma, yes, 52 of them were arrested during the protest, and those 52, from the report coming to me, are those people who were involved in the looting of shops and the vandalising of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma.

“That was the report I have, not arrest and detention of peaceful protesters. No. That’s the usual wrong narrative that we are used to in Nigeria. So I debunk that,” he said.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Edo State had ordered the remand of 52 protesters over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery following a protest against kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

The protest, which took place on January 10, involved residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities, including AAU students, who marched through major roads with placards demanding government intervention over rising kidnapping cases. The demonstration later turned violent, leading to the vandalism and looting of shops and other properties.

The presiding judge adjourned the case to February 26 and ordered that the suspects be remanded at Ubiaja Prisons. However, the AAU students arrested in connection with the protest have since been released following an order by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

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