NANS Secures Release of LASU Student after Detention by Landlord

The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has secured the release of a female student of Lagos State University (LASU) following what it described as an unlawful detention by officers of the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos.

According to a statement issued on July 22 by the NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Chairman, Comrade Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Quadri, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ridwan Ajayi, the student was arrested on July 18 based on what NANS called a “malicious and misleading” petition filed by her landlord.

The student had earlier lodged a harassment complaint against the landlord at the Igando Police Division. Instead of responding to the complaint, the landlord allegedly filed a retaliatory report, leading to her arrest.

The incident quickly gained attention on social media, prompting swift action from NANS and the Lagos State University Students’ Union (LASUSU). They contacted Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Adegoke M. Fayoade, Zone 2 Command, urging an immediate review of the situation.

“Our chairman acted swiftly upon receiving reliable intelligence. Thanks to our intervention and the prompt response of AIG Fayoade, the student was granted bail by 6:00 a.m. the next day,” the statement read.

Demonstrating a commitment to fairness, AIG Fayoade convened a fact-finding meeting on July 21. Attendees included the student, her parents, the landlord, LASUSU representatives, senior police officers, and NANS leaders. Following the review, the matter was transferred to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for an impartial investigation.

NANS commended AIG Fayoade for his “empathy, professionalism, and courage,” noting that his actions helped restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force. LASUSU was also lauded for its crucial role in safeguarding student rights and escalating the matter responsibly.

“This incident proves that when institutions act responsibly, justice can prevail,” the statement emphasized.

NANS warned against the abuse of police authority and called for an investigation into the landlord’s actions, suggesting they may constitute criminal misrepresentation.

“We will resist any attempt to intimidate or silence students through police manipulation,” the statement concluded. “Justice must be served, and we are committed to seeing this case through.”