The Fifty-two suspects, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, arrested following Saturday’s violent protest against rising kidnappings and insecurity, are expected to regain their freedom as early as tomorrow.

The detainees are currently held at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre in Esan South-East Local Government Area. Parents of the affected students gathered at the facility, appealing to authorities for the immediate release of their children.

The protest, initially sparked by concerns over frequent abductions in Ekpoma and surrounding communities, reportedly escalated into violence when hoodlums hijacked the demonstration. Incidents included looting, property destruction, attacks on traders, and vandalism at the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.

Osadebamen Ehozogie, President of the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG), who visited the correctional facility, stated that the protest was not organized by genuine students.

He emphasized that it was hijacked by hoodlums and external elements, including groups like the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” (comprising former students or non-students), who exploited the situation for criminal activities.

The Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has initiated processes to verify and release bona fide AAU students, with Commissioner for Education Dr. Paddy Iyamu deployed to the Ubiaja facility to oversee the effort.

Authorities maintain that the violence was orchestrated by non-students, and the university was not in session at the time.

Amid widespread calls from groups like the PDP, NANS, SERAP, and figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for unconditional release, the development signals a potential resolution focused on distinguishing innocent students from those involved in the unrest.

The case, involving charges such as malicious damage and armed robbery, was adjourned to February 26, 2026, but efforts continue to facilitate releases through due process.

Parents and student leaders expressed relief at the prospect of freedom, while urging sustained action against the root cause: persistent insecurity in the region.

Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, the widow of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, Ogun State’s first civilian governor during Nigeria’s Second Republic, has died at the age of 100.

The family announced her peaceful passing on Monday, January 11, 2026, in a statement released on Tuesday by her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, Chairperson of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission.

“The family of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, former Governor of Ogun State, announces with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,” the statement read. “Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo (1925–2026) was called to glory on Monday, January 11.

We thank God for her long and fulfilled life, and for the enduring legacy of love, strength, and faith she leaves behind. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

“Born in 1925 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Madam Onabanjo moved to Lagos at around age 10 to complete her education. She trained at the Teachers’ Training College in Yaba, Lagos, and built a career in teaching spanning over two decades.

She was married to the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who served as governor from October 1979 to December 1983 under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Their union produced four children—two sons and two daughters—though their first daughter predeceased them.

As the state’s maiden First Lady, she provided steadfast support to her husband during his tenure, which was noted for establishing key institutions like Ogun Television and Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University).

She was also actively involved in community service, with a keen interest in children’s welfare, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian causes. She served as Iya Ijo of St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral in Ijebu-Ode.

Tributes have poured in from prominent figures. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described her demise as “the end of a glorious era,” praising her exemplary life devoted to God, family, and humanity, and noting her role in supporting her husband’s fight for democracy and social justice.

President Bola Tinubu condoled with the family, highlighting her compassionate investments in lives across the community, state, and nation, and urging the preservation of her legacy of love for the poor and vulnerable.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Madam Onabanjo’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Ogun State’s foundational political families, leaving behind a profound legacy of grace, resilience, and service.

A positive development has emerged in the aftermath of last weekend’s violent protest in Ekpoma, where 52 individuals, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were arrested and remanded in custody.

According to a statement from Hon. Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, 38 confirmed AAU students among those detained are set to be released shortly.

The announcement credits the swift resolution to collaborative efforts by key stakeholders, including Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, who has directed the release of bona fide students after meetings with the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG) leadership; Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayo Olawande; the dedicated Commissioner for Education in Edo State; the SUG President of Ambrose Alli University**; and the broader comrade community.

The protest, initially sparked by concerns over rising kidnappings and insecurity in Ekpoma and surrounding areas, reportedly escalated into violence, with reports of property destruction, looting, and vandalism—including at the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma. Authorities, including the Edo State Government, have attributed the unrest to a group known as the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” (primarily non-students or former students), insisting that genuine AAU students did not organize or lead the demonstration.Governor Okpebholo has emphasized that while peaceful protests are protected, criminal acts will face consequences, with ongoing investigations into the violence.

The state has deployed officials, including the Commissioner for Education, to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre to facilitate the verification and release process for confirmed students.

The statement praises the commitment to dialogue, due process, and student welfare, highlighting a peaceful resolution through multi-level interventions.

This update comes amid widespread calls from groups such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), opposition parties like the PDP, and rights activists for the unconditional release of the detainees, amid concerns over insecurity in the region.

The Edo State Government continues to urge calm as efforts focus on restoring peace and addressing underlying security challenges in Ekpoma.