OAU Denies Arrest of Protesters During Wike’s Lecture, Says Students Were Rescued

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has debunked reports that two students who staged a protest during a lecture delivered by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were arrested by security operatives.

The incident occurred during the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture held at the university’s Oduduwa Hall. While the minister was speaking, two students interrupted the event by raising placards and shouting, prompting immediate backlash from other students in attendance.

Eyewitnesses revealed that several students, believed to be law undergraduates, physically confronted the protesters, seizing their placards and subjecting them to harassment before the university’s internal security team swiftly intervened.

According to reports from within the campus, the two students were escorted out of the venue and reportedly taken to the institution’s security base, popularly known as “Floor O” in the Senate Building. However, their current whereabouts were not immediately clear, raising concerns among their peers.

Speaking on the matter, the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, clarified that the students were not arrested but were instead rescued from potential mob action by their colleagues.

“You saw what happened. The students raised placards and were not initially disturbed. But when they started shouting, it attracted the attention of other students who were about to assault them,” Olarewaju explained. “The university security team stepped in to protect them and prevent further harassment. I can authoritatively say they were not arrested.”

He added that the students had a right to protest, but noted that the university also has a duty to maintain peace and protect all students from harm.

The event continued without further disruptions, with Minister Wike completing his address as scheduled.