The Youth Arise Movement has called for the immediate release of 48 students of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, who were arrested during a protest against what they described as the growing menace of armed robbery on campus.
The Bauchi State Police Command had on Tuesday confirmed the arrests, saying they followed a “security breach” that occurred during the demonstration.
Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, said the command acted on intelligence indicating a security breach by “unidentified suspected hoodlums” who allegedly scaled the institution’s fence and forcibly seized students’ phones.
According to Wakil, 48 protesters and 16 suspected robbers were taken into custody in connection with the incident.
In a statement on Wednesday, the group’s convener, Babatunde Ademola, demanded the unconditional release of all detained students and the withdrawal of all charges against them. He also called for an investigation into the robbery cases and a public apology from law enforcement agencies.
The statement partly read, “On Tuesday 12, August 2025, students of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration to demand protection, accountability, and urgent action from authorities following repeated incidents of violent robberies that have endangered their lives and disrupted academic activities.
“Instead of responding with concern and concrete solutions, the police chose to meet these just demands with force, arresting 48 students and attempting to silence their cry for safety.
“These students were exercising their democratic right to speak out against the menace of gang-armed robbery on their campus. Report as it that their actions were peaceful, organised, and lawful. The decision by law enforcement to respond with force and arrest is not only disproportionate, it is an abuse of power that must be condemned by all who believe in justice and the rule of law.
“This is unacceptable. Students have a constitutional right to express their grievances, especially when their lives and futures are at stake. It is not a crime to demand safety. It is not a crime to call for justice.
“We demand: The immediate and unconditional release of all 48 arrested students. The dropping of all charges brought against them. An urgent investigation into the armed robbery incidents on campus and the inaction of security agencies.”
Ademola further urged civil society organisations, academic institutions, and the public to support the campaign for the students’ release.
“Let it be clear: the silencing of youth voices will not be tolerated. Students are not criminals. They are citizens demanding accountability, dignity, and a better future.
“We stand in full solidarity with the arrested students, their colleagues, and their families.
“We urge civil society, academic institutions, human rights organizations, and the general public to join us in calling for justice and the immediate release of all detained individuals. Students are not criminals. Protesting for safety is not a crime,” he added.
