Over a week after violent anti-kidnapping protests in Ekpoma, Edo State, the Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Collins Aigbogun, the former Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo, who remains in police custody.

Aigbogun, who was dismissed from his advisory role last week, was reportedly arrested for allegedly masterminding the protests. The coalition, however, argues that his continued detention lacks legal basis.

In a statement, the group’s Coordinator General, Marxist Edokpayi, and Secretary General, Aghatise Raphael, warned the police against arresting citizens without adhering to Nigeria’s constitutional provisions. They highlighted Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees that no one shall be convicted of an offence unless it is clearly defined in law and accompanied by a prescribed penalty.

“Until now, the police have not presented clear evidence linking Mr. Aigbogun to the protest,” the statement noted. “His detention, solely based on alleged sponsorship, contravenes constitutional safeguards and risks creating a perception of political persecution, undermining public trust in law enforcement and democratic governance.”

The coalition emphasized the discrepancy between law enforcement’s treatment of citizens and criminal networks. “While criminal activities persist with seeming impunity, citizens exercising their constitutional rights are subjected to detention and intimidation. Security agencies should focus on dismantling criminal networks rather than suppressing lawful civic engagement,” the statement added.

The group appealed to Governor Okpebholo to intervene and order Aigbogun’s release in the interest of justice, citing the adage: “It is better that a hundred guilty persons escape than that one innocent person suffers.”

The coalition concluded by urging the Nigerian Police Force to operate strictly within constitutional and judicial frameworks, aligning their efforts with public safety rather than penalizing innocent citizens.