NANS plans protest over ex-FUOYE SUG president’s remand

NANS has announced plans for peaceful protests in Ekiti State following the remand of James Adio, the former Students’ Union Government President of Federal University Oye-Ekiti. The National Association of Nigerian Students stated that Adio, who was previously the head of the university's student union, was remanded in custody over a case he himself initiated before a Magistrate Court in Ekiti State. According to a statement issued by NANS National President Akinteye Babatunde, the remand represents a serious breach of justice, with Adio being the complainant in the case and having no criminal charges against him. The statement noted that Adio was the one who brought the matter to the court, yet he found himself facing imprisonment. The association accused the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the presiding magistrate of turning the case against him. NANS described the situation as judicial misconduct, a violation of due process, and an infringement on Adio’s basic human rights. The group called the action a gross abuse of the legal system. In response to the remand, NANS has instructed its members in Ekiti State to start organizing peaceful demonstrations. The organization has directed its Joint Campus Committee Chairman for the Ekiti Axis and the National Head of Administration to initiate mobilization efforts. These efforts include planned lawful protests at key locations such as the Ekiti State High Court, the Magistrate Court, and the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. The goal is to secure Adio’s release and ensure justice is delivered. Akinteye emphasized that NANS will not tolerate the erosion of students' rights. He reiterated the association’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerian students. The statement concluded with a firm stance that the association will continue to fight for justice and fairness within educational institutions. In an additional open letter sent to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, along with the state’s Chief Judge and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, NANS Head of Administration, Owolewa Taiwo, outlined the circumstances surrounding Adio’s case. The letter claimed that Adio approached the court after private, consensual interactions with another adult were allegedly recorded and shared online without his consent. The association asserted that the case centered around allegations of cyberbullying and unauthorized dissemination of private content. NANS alleged that during the proceedings before Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun of the Magistrate Court in Fajuyi, Ado-Ekiti, the focus shifted from the initial complaint of cyberbullying to the personal conduct of the parties involved. As a result, Adio was remanded in custody alongside the other defendants until August 4, 2026. The association further claimed that officials from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Citizenship Rights argued that the university had treated the parties unequally by suspending only the female party while allowing Adio to take his exams. NANS maintained that Adio’s legal team submitted documents proving that his previous suspension was unrelated to the current case and that he had been cleared and reinstated by the university senate. The association continues to assert that the case was misdirected and that Adio’s rights were violated throughout the legal process.