The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to invade Kirikiri prisons if the 13 detained students of the University of Lagos are not released in 24 hours.
A special offences mobile court in Lagos had on Saturday remanded the students in Kirikiri pending their bail application.
The students were alleged to have engaged in an unlawful invasion of Television Continental in Lagos.
Chinonso Obasi, factional president of NANS, while speaking to journalists on Monday, condemned the action of the court.
“After a painstaking review of the circumstances surrounding the draconian ruling, we have resolved to demand and hereby demand the unconditional release of these students within 24 hours,” he said.
“Consequently, we make bold to state that if at the expiration of our 24 hours ultimatum, these innocent students are not released without strings, we shall relocate the Headquarters of NANS to Kirikiri in solidarity with our members.
“We also hope that the authorities would use the opportunity of the 24 hours ultimatum to either expand the facilities of Kirikiri prison or release our colleagues, as they can see we are serious and determined by offering them a fair choice.
“Being first time offenders, the Magistrate, if ever he was once a University student, would have handed down a stern warning and demand of good behaviour instead of sending them to prison for whatever reasons.
“In saner climes what the Magistrate should have done was to certify that the suspects are bonafide students and release them to their school authorities or student leaders.
“But rather than factor in the extenuating circumstances of their protest, the Magistrate apparently in a hurry to please some hidden forces, decided to blunt the proper socialization of 13 Nigerian leaders of tomorrow.”
The detained students are Femi Adeyeye, Toni Aina, Kodri Yaya, Asimi Oladime, Ismahim Olalekan, Segun Okesola, Abdulazeez Soneye, Idris Abogunloko, Muyiwa Olaniyi, Toheed Oladimeji, Joseph Akanni, Lukumon Olusegun, and Abiodun Agbeniyi.
They are standing trial before chief magistrate P.E Nwaka.
The students, who were arraigned on a two-count charge of unlawful invasion and disruption of activities, have pleaded guilty to the two-count charge.
Nwaka adjourned their case till April 6 for a determination of their bail.
Thecable
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