Claim:
Obafemi Awolowo University’s (OAU) Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, claimed that no students were arrested during the visit of Minister Nyesom Wike. He told the PUNCH newspaper, “Everybody has a right to protest, and the minority, microscopic minorities, should not disrupt what the overwhelming majority allows.”
He further denied reports of arrests, asserting that the individuals involved were only “escorted” and not arrested.
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Who is Wike?
Nyesom Wike is a Nigerian politician and lawyer currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a position he has held since 2023. Previously, he was the Governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023 and served as Minister of State for Education under President Goodluck Jonathan.
Wike is known for his significant political influence, bold leadership style, and often controversial statements. He is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has played a key role in national politics and party affairs. His tenure has been noted for major infrastructure projects and disputes over governance, particularly regarding urban development and demolitions.
ACJOAU Findings
The Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU), reported that two students, Oladepo Joshua and Ejike Kelechi, were indeed arrested and detained at the Moore Police Station in Ile-Ife. According to several accounts, these students were protesting peacefully inside the venue of Wike’s lecture by holding placards, demanding justice for individuals affected by demolitions under Wike’s administration as FCT Minister.
ACJOAU reporters noted that Student Union officials, including Union President Dr. Bush, Secretary General Kinfeosi, and Assistant General Secretary Prof. Mike, visited the police station and were awaiting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to secure the release of the detained students.
Furthermore, Femi Adeyeye, National Publicity Secretary of AAC, directly confronted the OAU PRO via WhatsApp, stating: “We are following up on the brutal arrest of two students today on your campus who merely raised placards to express dissent over the invitation of Wike.” In his message, Adeyeye questioned the logic behind the PRO’s claim that the students were “escorted to prevent lynching,” pointing out that if the students were not arrested, then: “Where are the people you saved? Are they resting in their hostels?”
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In response, the PRO stated: “You can go ahead with whatever plans you have since you lack courtesy of utterances.” This evasive response did not clarify the contradiction in the official narrative.
Also, at around 10 pm, the DPO of Moore Police Station told the school Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr Adegboyega, that he needed to sign before the release of the students. Finally, the students were released.
Verdict
The claim by Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, that no students were arrested during Minister Nyesom Wike’s visit is FALSE.