The Edo State Police Command has denied claims that peaceful protesters were arrested during the Ekpoma unrest, insisting the 52 persons detained were suspected criminals.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, and seen by Dockaysworld.
Police said investigations showed the suspects were involved in vandalism, looting, assault, and rioting after a peaceful protest was hijacked.
The command alleged that the suspects also forced their way into the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere, assaulting him and his wife and destroying property.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said heavy security deployment was ordered in Ekpoma, with support from the military and other security agencies, to curb kidnapping and restore calm.
Police maintained that genuine protesters were not arrested but were asked to disperse peacefully, adding that the suspects have since been arraigned in court.
Recall that Dockaysworld earlier reported that 52 persons, including students of Ambrose Alli University, were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following protests over rising insecurity in Ekpoma.
Various stakeholders had raised the call to ensure the release of the suspects including the National association of Nigerian students.