Uniuyo Crisis - 44 Students Arraigned Over Arson, Murder

Uniuyo Crisis - 44 Students Arraigned Over Arson, Murder

Forty four students of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, arrested by the police in connection with last week's mayhem which claimed many lives and property including the vice chancellor's office have been charged for murder and arson, Governor Godswill Akpabio, has said.

The governor, who made the disclosure during a meeting with striking airport workers on Monday, said the crisis was planned by students who had one problem or the other with their academics.

"The UniUyo crisis was targeted and planned, that was why the vice chancellor's office, the registrar's office, where documents of the school were kept were burnt," he said.

Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Etim Dickson, said the suspects have been arraigned before the state Magistrate's Court on a four count charge of arson, murder, damage to property and stealing.

Our correspondent reports that the suspects who were picked up at various locations were taken to the court by the police in eight Hilux vans amidst tight security.

Magistrate Lawrence Udonwa, who refused to grant bail to the students pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) ordered that the case be transferred to the High Court, just as he ordered that the culprits be reminded in prison.

Students of the institution had last week embarked on a peaceful demonstration, which later turned violent leading to the death of three students and destruction of some offices.