There was high tension at the Criminal Court II in Benin City on Monday as security personnel blocked journalists from covering the arraignment of 52 suspected anti-kidnapping protesters. The suspects, primarily students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, were brought to court in a Black Maria following a weekend raid by security agencies.
Despite the public interest in the case, security operatives enforced a “standing order,” permitting only lawyers to enter the courtroom, effectively shielding the proceedings from media scrutiny.
The Court Ruling: Lack of Jurisdiction
Presiding Judge Justice William Aziegbemi remanded all 52 suspects at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre. Curiously, the judge noted that his court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case, advising defense counsel to instead file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court.
The case has been adjourned to February 26, 2026.
“Abducted While Sleeping”: Suspects Cry Out
The courtroom atmosphere turned emotional as the suspects pleaded “not guilty,” with many claiming they were never part of any protest. Heartbreaking accounts emerged from the students and their parents:
- Night Raids: Several students alleged they were “abducted” from their hostels at 3 a.m. while they were asleep.
- Wrongful Arrests: One parent, Abdulsalam, lamented that his two sons were picked up despite not participating in the protest. Another mother claimed her son was arrested while simply taking clothes to a dry cleaner.
- Bogus Charges: Legal counsel, including Barr. Wisdom Isaac, expressed shock at the severity of the charges, which include armed robbery and malicious damage, despite a lack of formal complainants.
Tears at the Black Maria
As the students were marched back into the Black Maria for the journey to Ubiaja, chaotic scenes broke out. Parents wept openly while struggling to hand water, food, and money to their children through the vehicle’s bars.
