More than a week after violent anti-kidnapping protests rocked Ekpoma, Edo State, the Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has demanded the unconditional release of Collins Aigbogun, former Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo, from police custody.
Aigbogun, who was dismissed and replaced by the governor last week, was reportedly accused of masterminding the protest and has remained detained since.
In a joint statement issued by the group’s Coordinator General, Marxist Edokpayi, and Secretary General, Aghatise Raphael, the coalition cautioned the police against arbitrary arrests and urged adherence to Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
Quoting Section 36 (12) of the 1999 Constitution, the group stressed that no one should be convicted of an undefined offence without a prescribed penalty in written law. They added that the police have yet to provide credible evidence linking Aigbogun to the protest.
The coalition described the continued detention as unconstitutional and politically motivated, warning that such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement and democratic institutions.
“It is troubling that while criminals roam free, citizens exercising their rights are being targeted,” the statement read. “Governor Okpebholo should order Aigbogun’s immediate release in the interest of justice and fairness.”
The group further urged the Nigerian Police Force to uphold constitutional values and focus on combating insecurity rather than suppressing civic expression.
