Tension spread across the student community in Ekiti State on Friday as students and stakeholders demanded the immediate release of IBITOLA “Sugarito”, a former Students’ Union President of Ekiti State University, following his arrest under circumstances that have sparked outrage among students and youth groups.
In a strongly worded statement circulated across social media platforms, concerned students and stakeholders described Sugarito as a respected student leader and influential media personality whose arrest has unsettled many within the academic community.
The group insisted that the former union leader, widely known among students as “Sugarito”, built his reputation through years of advocacy, leadership and commitment to student welfare during his tenure at EKSU.
They argued that his public image, marked by what they described as discipline, calmness and intellectual engagement, contradicts the manner surrounding his arrest.
“We strongly condemn the circumstances surrounding his arrest and call for his immediate and unconditional release,” the statement read.
The students also urged security agencies to conduct what they called a transparent and fair investigation in line with the rule of law, warning against actions capable of intimidating student voices and youth advocates.
According to the statement, the demand for Sugarito’s release goes beyond personal loyalty, stressing that many students now see the development as a test of justice and accountability within the state.
The incident has since generated conversations online, with supporters pushing hashtags including #FreeSugarito, #JusticeForStudents and #ProtectStudentLeaders.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the arrest or disclose details of allegations against the former student leader.
