Police arrest ASUU IMSU officials over strike

Police in Imo State, Nigeria, have reportedly arrested several officials from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Imo State University (IMSU) branch. The arrests followed the union's decision to commence an indefinite strike.

Sources indicate the officials were detained after participating in a radio program on Tuesday, where they discussed the union's move to strike. Among those reportedly arrested were the branch Chairman, Stephen Oguji, and other key union figures. ASUU-IMSU initiated its strike on Monday, citing the non-implementation of agreements concerning academic staff welfare and service conditions, which they argue should also apply to state-owned universities.

Information suggests the detained officials were released after several hours of questioning. A source within the university expressed defiance, stating, "The union can never be intimidated by this approach." The state Police Public Relations Officer had not yet responded to inquiries regarding the arrests at the time of reporting.

The strike comes at a critical juncture for the university, as it prepares to begin examinations. This development has caused significant unease among students, raising concerns about the potential impact on the academic calendar.

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They were arrested after a radio programme in the morning. We tried to reach them but couldn’t. But we learnt they have just been released. The union can never be intimidated by this approach.