IGP Open Up on Edo Arrests
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said 52 people currently in custody in Edo State were arrested for looting and vandalism, not for taking part in a peaceful protest.
He spoke over the weekend while responding to public anger over the arrest of protesters in Ekpoma, many of whom were linked to Ambrose Alli University, an incident that also drew reactions from parents after the suspects were remanded in prison.
According to the police chief, officers did not target lawful protesters and had no reason to clamp down on students or residents who gathered peacefully to express their views.
He explained that the arrests followed reports of criminal acts during the protest, including the looting of shops and damage to the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, actions he said crossed the line from protest to crime.
The IGP insisted the police remain committed to protecting peaceful demonstrations, adding that officers only intervene when protests turn violent or destructive, as authorities work to restore calm and address public concerns in the state.
