Detained OAU Students Regain Freedom After A Week In Jail

By Sodiq Lawal

After spending almost one week in prison, five students of Obafemi Awolowo University who were remanded at Kosere prison in Ile Ife over alleged harassment on campus have met bail conditions and been released.

In a statement signed by the South West Coordinator Of National Association Of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Adekitan Lukman, on Tuesday said that three out of the five students have met bail conditions and have been released while the bail conditions of the other two were met after the Judge has left but he agreed that the necessary papers should be brought tomorrow for perfection and the remaining two will be released before 10am on Wednesday.

“After our call for mass action this morning, the leadership embarked on last minute efforst to have the OAU5 released. As at the time of this release, the detained comrades have all been granted bail. Three out of the five have met the bail conditions and have been released. The bail conditions of the other two were met after the judge have left, but he agreed that the necessary papers should be brought tomorrow for perfection, we were given all the assurances that the remaining two will be released before 10am tomorrow.

“We thank every individuals and organizations who participated one way or the other in seeing to the release of our comrades.

“Finally, the leadership of NANS Zone D wish to restate our commitment in seeing to the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of our members wherever and whenever.

“All other school authorities are hereby also warned to desist from unjust victimazation of students leaders as we shall henceforth vehemently resist such actions.

“Students are also advised to always go about their duties peacefully and be law abiding,” it stated.