Civil Society Coalition Accuses Edo Govt, Police Of Political Persecution Over Ekpoma Protest

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin 

Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has condemned what it described as the unlawful and politically motivated arrest and continued detention of Hon. Collins Aigbogun by the Nigerian Police, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

In a statement issued in Benin City, the coalition described Aigbogun’s arrest as “unjust, biased, and fascistic,” insisting that he committed no offence known to law. The police had allegedly linked Aigbogun to the sponsorship of a recent protest against the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The coalition noted that Aigbogun was among several persons arrested during a midnight raid on private hostels housing students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in connection with the protest. While others arrested during the operation were reportedly released following the intervention of the state governor, Aigbogun remains in police custody.

Describing the continued detention as “morally reprehensible,” the coalition said it was deeply concerned that Aigbogun was being held incommunicado under conditions it described as degrading and in violation of his fundamental rights.

The statement, signed by Kola Edokpayi, Coordinator-General of the Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights, and Aghatise Raphael, Secretary-General, faulted earlier claims attributed to Governor Monday Okpebholo that the Ekpoma protest was sponsored by a Russian-based Nigerian and some Edo indigenes living abroad.

“It is disturbing and contradictory that Hon. Collins Aigbogun is being detained on the basis of this allegation,” the coalition said. “At the time of his arrest, he was serving as Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation to the Governor and was physically present in Nigeria. The claim that he was sponsoring protests from Russia is manifestly false.”

Invoking the legal principle res ipsa loquitur—that the facts speak for themselves—the group questioned how Aigbogun could be simultaneously in Russia and Nigeria.

The coalition further cited Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which stipulates that no person shall be convicted of an offence unless it is clearly defined and prescribed by law. According to the group, the police have failed to present any credible evidence linking Aigbogun to the organisation or sponsorship of the protest.

Warning against what it termed the shrinking of civic space, the coalition said the arrest and detention of citizens for exercising their constitutional rights to protest risk eroding public confidence in democratic governance and law enforcement institutions.

It is troubling that while criminal elements continue to operate with apparent impunity, citizens mobilising against insecurity are subjected to intimidation and detention,” the statement said.

The coalition appealed directly to Governor Okpebholo to intervene and order Aigbogun’s immediate release in the interest of justice, equity, and the rule of law.

The Nigerian Police Force must act within constitutional boundaries and align with citizens in the fight against insecurity rather than criminalising lawful civic engagement,” the group added.

Popular posts from this blog

NBM of Africa Raises Alarm Over Child Abductions, Calls for Urgent Action Against Insecurity

Image
By Elvis Omoregie, Benin  The leadership of the NBM of Africa Worldwide has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of child abductions and worsening insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the nation's future and overall development. In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Dr. Charles Chimezie, the Pan-African organisation condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers who abduct children and allegedly expose them to exploitation within criminal networks, describing the development as a direct attack on the country's collective future. The organisation's reaction comes amid increasing cases of kidnappings across various parts of the country, including the recent abduction of 45 teachers and students in Oyo State by suspected bandits, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools and vulnerable communities. According to Dr. Chimezie, every child taken away f...
Read more

Stop proposed Caretaker Committee inauguration, Edo assembly tells NLC president

Image
By  Elvis Omoregie, Benin  Edo State House of Assembly yesterday passed a resolution calling on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to shelve the proposed leadership change of the present NLC Exco in Edo State.  The resolution which a motion raised by the Majority leader, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu following reports of a planned inauguration of a caretaker committee in the state. Presenting the motion Hon. Ibhamawu, said there is a harmonious labour force devoid of strife under the leadership of  Comrade Bernard Eguakhide and that the  action of Joe Ajaero can cause bridge of peace in Edo State.  He said the change of the present Exco should be done at the end of their tenure to guarantee a peaceful and harmonious working environment.   Other lawmakers supported the motion stating that the proposed leadership change of the present Exco in Edo State should be put on hold in the Interest of peace and harmony. In...
Read more

Ologbo Traditional Leadership: Chief Iyase Rejects Purported Installation of Olare-Aja

Image
By Elvis Omoregie  The Okao Nore-Guae overseeing Ologbo, Ehor and Okhuoromi communities in Edo State, Chief Emma Iyase, has warned against what he described as efforts to establish a parallel traditional authority in Ologbo, rejecting the reported installation of Pa Johnson Obubu Itoto as the Olare-Aja of the community. Speaking on the development, Chief Iyase said the installation, reportedly carried out on May 30, 2026, was unknown to Benin customs and traditions and constituted a violation of the recognized traditional authority structure of the Benin Kingdom. According to him, Ologbo remains an integral part of the Benin traditional institution, and matters concerning traditional leadership, chieftaincy titles and community governance must align with the customs, laws and established practices of the kingdom. “Any installation conducted outside the recognised traditional structures and procedures cannot enjoy legitimacy within the community,” he stated. Chief Iyase ...
Read more