Police Defend Ekpoma Arrests, Say Suspects Looted During Protests
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun
EKPOMA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, says the 52 suspects arrested during protests in Ekpoma, Edo State, are not peaceful demonstrators but individuals involved in looting and vandalism.
In a video posted on the Force’s official X handle, Egbetokun dismisses claims that innocent protesters were detained.
“In Ekpoma, 52 people were arrested, and they are those involved in looting shops and vandalising the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma,” he says.
The police chief stresses that the Force supports lawful demonstrations and routinely provides protection for peaceful protesters.
“Peaceful protest is not a challenge to the police,” Egbetokun says. “What we will not tolerate is criminality under the cover of protest.”
Residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities had staged demonstrations earlier this month over rising kidnappings, marching with placards and demanding government intervention.
However, the protests turned violent on 10 January, with shops looted and property destroyed. Students of Ambrose Alli University are among those detained.
A Federal High Court later remands 52 suspects over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery, though AAU students linked to the protest are subsequently released.
Egbetokun says false narratives undermine public trust in law enforcement, reiterating that the police will continue to protect citizens’ rights while enforcing the law.
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