The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos State Chapter, has applauded the swift intervention of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, following the unlawful arrest of a female student of Lagos State University (LASU) based on what the student body described as a “malicious and misleading petition” by her landlord.
According to a statement released on July 22, 2025, and signed by NANS JCC Lagos State Chairman, Comrade Abdul-Raheem Abdul-Quadri, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ridwan Ajayi, the student was forcibly arrested on Friday, July 18, by operatives of Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, after the landlord allegedly filed a deceptive petition designed to punish the student and suppress her earlier complaint of harassment against him.
NANS revealed that the student had initially reported the landlord at the Igando Police Division for intimidation, but the landlord refused to respond to police invitations and instead manipulated the system to have the student detained.
The issue gained traction on social media, prompting swift action by the Lagos State leadership of NANS. With support from the leadership of LASU Students’ Union (LASUSU), the association contacted AIG Fayoade directly and made a strong appeal for justice and the student’s immediate release.
“Our chairman, upon receiving credible information, acted without delay. In the early hours of the following morning, at about 6:00 a.m., the student was released on bail. This was possible due to our swift intervention and the humane response of AIG Fayoade,” the statement noted.
Going beyond routine procedure, AIG Fayoade personally summoned a fact-finding meeting on Monday, July 21, bringing together all concerned parties, including the landlord, the female student and her parents, LASUSU executives, senior officers, and NANS representatives.
The case was thoroughly reviewed and subsequently transferred to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for a more impartial investigation, further reinforcing the commitment of the police leadership to justice.
NANS Lagos commended AIG Fayoade for exhibiting what they described as “a rare blend of empathy, professionalism, and courage.”
“This singular act has not only saved a student from prolonged injustice but has also restored public confidence in the Nigerian Police,” the students’ body stated.
The association also praised LASUSU for their decisive role in escalating the matter and protecting the rights of one of their own.
“This collaborative effort between student leadership and law enforcement is proof that when responsible authorities listen, justice can prevail,” the statement added.
NANS Lagos, however, warned against the abuse of police authority, urging the police to investigate the landlord’s intent and treat the petition as a possible case of criminal misrepresentation.
“We will not tolerate further acts of intimidation against Nigerian students. Anyone who attempts to use the police to silence or harass students will be held accountable. Justice must prevail.”
NANS reiterated its commitment to follow the case to a just conclusion.
