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UPDATE: Edo State Government Moves to Release 52 Ambrose Alli University Students Arrested Amid Ekpoma Protest

Published

7 months ago

January 13, 2026

408 Views

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.

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NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards

NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.

Published

2 days ago

August 14, 2026

OCHEFA

27 Views

The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.

The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.

Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.

Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.

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Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop

The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.

Published

4 days ago

August 11, 2026

OCHEFA

69 Views

•Faith Alayande

A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.

In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.

Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.

The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.

“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”

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Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son

A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.

Published

4 days ago

August 11, 2026

OCHEFA

67 Views

• Joseph Ezeokafor

Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.

Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.

Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.

Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.

His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.

“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.