The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone, has given the Osun State Police Command 24 hours to either charge detained student leader Bukola Felix Alalade, popularly known as Machiavelli, before a competent court or release him.
NANS said the demand followed concerns over Alalade’s continued detention after his arrest in connection with an alleged violent incident during a political procession.
The student body said the police should present whatever evidence they have before a court rather than keep the suspect in prolonged detention.
NANS also urged the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to intervene and ensure that the matter is handled according to due process and without political influence, particularly with the Osun election approaching.
The organisation stressed that its intervention was not intended to defend wrongdoing, but to ensure that Alalade, as a student leader, enjoys the same legal protections available to every Nigerian.
NANS warned that failure to resolve the matter within the 24-hour period could lead to lawful and peaceful mass action to demand respect for his fundamental rights.