Over a week after the anti-kidnapping protests in Ekpoma, Edo State, turned violent, leading to numerous arrests, the Collins Aigbogun arrest news continues to dominate discussions around civil liberties in Nigeria. A prominent group, the Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights, has publicly demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Collins Aigbogun, who previously served as a Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo. Aigbogun was reportedly detained following allegations of masterminding the protests, an accusation that his legal counsel and human rights advocates vehemently dispute. This ongoing situation highlights critical concerns regarding due process and the constitutional rights of citizens in Nigeria. The coalition emphasizes that his continued detention without clear charges undermines public trust in law enforcement and democratic governance. The protests themselves, initially focused on the pressing issue of insecurity and kidnapping in the Ekpoma area, quickly escalated, resulting in confrontations between citizens and security forces. While authorities claim Aigbogun’s involvement went beyond peaceful assembly, the civil society group argues that his arrest appears to be a politically motivated act rather than a consequence of any defined legal transgression. They point to the lack of concrete evidence presented by the police, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of his prolonged custody. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining public order and upholding fundamental human rights in a democratic society. Why was Collins Aigbogun arrested? Collins Aigbogun was reportedly arrested on suspicion of masterminding the anti-kidnapping protests in Ekpoma, Edo State, that turned violent. The authorities alleged he was behind the unrest, leading to his detention, although a civil society group has demanded his release, citing a lack of clear charges and evidence. According to Section 36 (12) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended, a person cannot be convicted of an offense unless that offense is clearly defined and its penalty prescribed in a written law. This fundamental legal principle forms the bedrock of the argument presented by the Edo State Civil Society Coalition. They assert that the police have failed to furnish and adduce any credible evidence linking Aigbogun to a specific, legally defined offense that would warrant his continued detention. This legal vacuum fuels fears of arbitrary arrests and potential political persecution, eroding the foundational principles of justice and fairness. The governor’s claim that the protest was sponsored by an individual based in Russia further complicates the narrative surrounding Aigbogun’s arrest. Critics question the disconnect between this alleged foreign sponsorship and the detention of a former local government official, suggesting a potential misdirection or an attempt to silence dissenting voices. The lack of transparency in the investigation process only intensifies calls for his release, as the public struggles to reconcile the official statements with the constitutional safeguards meant to protect citizens. The continued detention of Mr. Aigbogun, predicated solely on alleged sponsorship of a protest, is not only antithetical to constitutional safeguards but risks engendering perceptions of political persecution. Such actions can significantly erode public confidence in law enforcement institutions and democratic governance, fostering an environment of fear rather than trust. When citizens exercising their constitutional rights are subjected to detention and intimidation, it sends a chilling message about the state of civil liberties. It is profoundly disconcerting that while criminal networks often operate with apparent impunity, citizens engaging in lawful civic discourse are subjected to such drastic measures. This raises a salient question for security agencies: should their energies be primarily expended in suppressing lawful civic engagement, or in dismantling the criminal apparatuses imperiling innocent lives? The Ekpoma protests for justice aimed to draw attention to insecurity, yet the response has, for many, shifted focus to the justice system itself. The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has made a passionate appeal to Governor Okpebholo, urging him to order the immediate and unconditional release of Aigbogun in the interest of justice and equity. They reiterate the timeless legal maxim that “it is better a hundred guilty persons should escape than that one innocent person should suffer.” This principle underscores the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, which they argue are being severely undermined in this case. Furthermore, the coalition insists that the Nigerian Police Force must operate in strict conformity with constitutional mandates, judicial precedent, and the principles of justice. They advocate for authorities to align themselves with the populace in confronting insecurity, rather than penalizing an innocent man. The ongoing Collins Aigbogun arrest news serves as a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values and the protection of its citizens’ fundamental human rights, demanding accountability and transparency from all government institutions involved. The broader implications of this incident extend beyond Ekpoma, resonating across Nigeria where civil society organizations frequently advocate for human rights and good governance. The perceived misuse of power against activists can stifle legitimate dissent and discourage citizens from holding their leaders accountable. This situation underscores the urgent need for a robust and independent judiciary to ensure that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done, safeguarding the democratic space for all.
