A federal high court in Edo State on Monday, January 12, remanded 52 protesters following a violent demonstration against kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area (LGA).

The protesters, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were arrested after Saturday’s, January 10 protest turned destructive, with shops and other properties reportedly vandalized and looted.

Presiding Judge William Aziegbemi ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to handle the matter and instructed the defendants’ lawyers to file their bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court. The case has been adjourned to February 26, and the suspects are to remain in custody at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.

The demonstration saw residents of Ekpoma and neighboring communities march through major roads, carrying placards and calling on the government to address the increasing cases of kidnapping in the area.

According to the Edo State Police Command, the protest was hijacked, leading to destruction of property, looting, and an attack on the palace of Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma. Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the attack.

Police and other security agencies were deployed to restore order, and during the unrest, military personnel reportedly fired a gun, injuring 32-year-old protester Osagie Abraham. He is receiving treatment at a local medical facility, while military authorities have been notified to take appropriate action against the officer involved.

The police reiterated that citizens have a constitutional right to protest, but such actions must be conducted peacefully and within the law. They assured residents that security operations would be intensified to tackle kidnapping and other crimes in the state.

The protest followed a surge in kidnapping incidents, including recent abductions and killings of medical professionals, which have heightened tensions in Edo State.