No fewer than 52 persons, including students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, have been remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery.
Justice William Aziegbemi of the Edo State High Court ordered the remand on Monday, saying he lacked jurisdiction and directed the defendants to seek bail at the Ubiaja High Court.
Dockaysworld reports that the suspects were arraigned through an ex parte motion by the police, with the case adjourned to February 26, 2026.
The arrests followed protests over insecurity and kidnapping in Ekpoma that later turned violent after being hijacked by hoodlums.
Police said shops were vandalised, property was looted, and the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma was attacked during the unrest.
Some students claimed they were arrested in their hostels around 3am and denied participating in the protest.
Relatives of the detainees described the charges as unfounded, insisting their children were not involved in any violence.
The National Association of Nigerian Students has condemned the prosecution and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all 52 detainees.
Recall Dockaysworld reported that soldiers had shot at protesters with one confirmed dead in the aftermath.