Students protest remand of ex-SUG president, others in Ondo
From Adewale Momoh, Akure
• Accuse Attorney-General of victimisation, seek Aiyedatiwa’s intervention
Students yesterday took to the streets in Akure, Ondo State capital, in protest against the incarceration of former Student Union President (SUG) of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, James Akeju.
Akeju is also the President of the Akoko Youth Forum. He was arrested alongside two others – Adediran Gabriel and Yaya Bisola – from the area.
The protesters barricaded the roads leading to the state secretariat in Alagbaka and the Federal Secretariat, Igbatoro, for several hours, demanding the immediate release of Akeju, Gabriel and Bisola.
According to the protesters, the affected youths were remanded in custody by a court sitting in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday following alleged political victimisation on the part of the state attorney general, Kayode Ajulo (SAN).
While describing the action as a gross abuse of power and a deliberate move to intimidate and silence the voices of youths in the state, they stressed that the trio were unjustly targeted after a face-off with Ajulo on March 28, 2025.
The protesters, who failed to listen to the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, brought cooking utensils to the protest grounds, insisting that the incarcerated youths must be released and also meet them at the protest grounds before they vacate the scene.
Coordinator of the Ondo State Youth Network, Adegboyega Afe, who expressed dismay over the alleged action of Ajulo, stated that the affected youths were arraigned on frivolous charges, such as a threat to life and cyberbullying, among others.
Afe, who argued that the trio were unaware of their arraignment, lamented that Ajulo, who used to portray himself as an activist and once fought against oppressors, has turned into an oppressor.
“Leaders of Akoko youths who had issues with Ajulo were remanded to Olokuta correctional facility. We followed the process; it was very unlawful.
“They were not aware they were being charged to court. They were slammed with a four-count charge and remanded in Olokuta Correctional Centre. We are out against this oppression.
“This is not the first AG. President Tinubu did not do anything to Ajulo during the presidential election.” We have a lot of insecurity issues in the state. We will continue the protest until the Akoko leaders are released. Let us not cause another insecurity through the act of the Attorney-General.
“It was the State Security Service (SSS) that invited us, and we went there. The police invited us, and those who went were remanded in the correctional facility.
“They charged them for cyberbullying and threat to life. Aiyedatiwa should talk to Ajulo. He should release those in detention. We will remain here.”
On his part, the National Social Director of Akoko Youth Forum, Oladimeji Adewunmi, urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to call Ajulo to order, stressing that they will not be cowed.
He said: “Cyberbullying is a serious offence involving threats and online harassment—none of which occurred. Our only offence was visiting a public office to deliver a community empowerment event invitation.
“We are demanding the immediate release of Akeju and the two other detained executives. We will not leave this protest site until justice is served. We are ready to remain here—eating, sleeping, and standing firm—until our brothers and sisters are freed. We understand that there may be plans for mediation, but before any negotiation can begin, our people must be released.
“Let us not forget that the office is a public institution, not personal property. Our Youth President, Mr Akeju, was elected by the people of Akoko and remains the rightful voice of the youth. Silencing that voice is an affront to all of us.”
Meanwhile, the Technical Adviser to the Attorney General, Yomisaint Adebayo, said the youths were arraigned following a police investigation into incidents that involved assault and conspiracy.
Those actions, Adebayo said, were aimed at breaching public peace, cybercrime, threats to life, and other related offences that occurred at the State Secretariat.
“In response to the development, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who was out of the State, returned to Akure and directed the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to take over the matter formally.
“The aim is to ensure a swift resolution while upholding due process, safeguarding the rights of all parties involved, including their potential release.
“We encourage the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to unfold as we consider steps to resolve this matter in a manner that promotes peace, respect for the law, and mutual understanding,” he advised.