EKPOMA PROTEST: POLICE SHUT OUT JOURNALISTS AS 52 SUSPECTS ARRAIGNED. (PHOTO).

 Ekpoma Protest: Police Shut Out Journalists as 52 Suspects Arraigned

Security operatives on Monday barred journalists from accessing the Edo State High (Criminal) Court II during the arraignment of 52 suspects arrested over last Saturday’s violent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The suspects were conveyed to the court in a Black Maria van and brought before the court through an ex parte motion filed by police counsel, P. O. Odion.

Armed security personnel, who maintained a heavy presence at the court premises, told journalists they were acting on instructions to allow only legal practitioners into the courtroom.

Presiding over the matter, William Aziegbemi declined jurisdiction, ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, and adjourned the case to February 26, 2026.

He also directed defence counsel to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court.

After the proceedings, defence lawyers expressed shock at the charges preferred against the suspects, which include malicious damage and armed robbery.

Barrister Wisdom Isaac said no formal complaints were made against the defendants, describing the charges as unfounded.

Another counsel, Ejemi Etinbowei, argued that the protest was sparked by the family of a kidnapped victim and later drew other residents, insisting that students did not organise the demonstration.

Scenes of anguish followed the court’s decision as parents and relatives wept openly, struggling to pass food, drinks and money to their children before they were taken back into custody and transported to Ubiaja.

Some suspects alleged they were arrested from their homes late at night or early Sunday morning and taken directly to the state police headquarters in Benin.

One parent, Abdul Salam, said his two sons were not part of the protest, while another mother claimed her son was arrested while taking clothes to a dry cleaner.