Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called for the immediate release of the 14 protesters still in custody following a peaceful demonstration in Ekpoma, Edo State, last Saturday. The protest was organised to draw attention to rising kidnappings in the area and the killing of a young man by armed assailants.

Falana emphasized that the demonstrators were exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and assembly under Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as Articles 9 and 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Thousands of unarmed residents, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), marched through major roads carrying placards and demanding urgent government action. While the protest was peaceful, the Edo Police Command arrested 52 participants. Following public pressure, 38 students were released, but 14 individuals remain in custody, reportedly facing charges including armed robbery.

Falana condemned the continued detention, arguing that protesters cannot be held responsible for actions taken by unrelated youths who looted goods amid the protest due to police failure to maintain security.

Citing legal precedents, Falana referenced the 2006 Federal High Court ruling in All Nigeria Peoples Party v Inspector-General of Police and the 2008 Court of Appeal ruling in Inspector-General of Police v All Nigeria Peoples Party, which upheld citizens’ right to peaceful protest. He also invoked Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020, mandating the police to provide security for notified public gatherings.

“Given that the 38 students have already been released for exercising the same rights, we call on the Edo State Government to immediately free the remaining 14 protesters,” Falana said, reiterating that the protest was lawful and peaceful.