A civil society organisation (CSO) has given Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and the Nigeria Police a seven-day ultimatum to release 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) who were remanded for taking part in a protest. The group said the students were only expressing their concerns and should not be treated like criminals.

According to the CSO, the continued detention of the students violates their fundamental rights and sends a wrong message about democracy and freedom of expression. The organisation said peaceful protest is a legal way for citizens, especially young people, to draw attention to issues affecting them.

The group warned that if the students are not released within the seven-day period, it would take further lawful actions to demand justice and accountability. It said the state government and security agencies must act responsibly and avoid turning the matter into a bigger crisis.

The CSO called on parents, school authorities, religious leaders and the wider public to speak up for the students. It urged the Edo State Government to show compassion, uphold the rule of law and resolve the matter peacefully for the sake of stability and justice.