The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized the remand of three young activists at the Olokuta Correctional Centre in Ondo State, describing it as a grave violation of civil liberties and freedom of expression.
In a statement signed by the NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, the student body decried the action as an unjust trampling of the rights of young Nigerians. NANS expressed deep concern over what it termed a disturbing misuse of state power to silence dissenting voices and intimidate student leaders.
“The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), under the presidency of Olushola Oladoja, expresses deep shock and unequivocal condemnation over the arrest and continued detention of three young Nigerians at the Olokuta Correctional Centre,” the statement read.
NANS accused the Ondo State Ministry of Justice of weaponizing its authority to stifle opposition rather than uphold the rule of law. The organization warned that such actions send a dangerous message that the justice system is being used for oppression rather than fairness.
Describing the arrest as a direct attack on constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of expression and assembly, NANS demanded the immediate release of the detained activists. The association called on Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene and direct the Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo, to ensure the swift release of the young Nigerians.
“The Ondo State Government must reaffirm its commitment to the protection of every citizen’s rights—including students—to peaceful protest and political engagement,” the statement emphasized.
NANS issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the state government to act, warning that failure to comply would result in a mass nationwide protest led by Nigerian students.
“This is not a threat, but a declaration of intent backed by the unified resolve of Nigerian students. We refuse to remain silent while our fellow comrades are punished for advocating better governance. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement concluded.
