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| Prof. Francisca Bassey And Martins Eyam |
By Oluchi Omai | Calabar | April 23, 2025
A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Mr. Martins Eyam, has regained his freedom after spending 17 days in detention. Eyam was arrested on April 7, 2025, reportedly on the instructions of the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Professor Francisca Bassey.
His arrest followed a voice note he shared on the National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS) UNICROSS Chapter WhatsApp group, encouraging fellow students to stand in solidarity against the university’s "No Fees, No Exams" policy. The message, shared on Sunday, April 6, was widely circulated among students and is believed to have prompted his invitation to a meeting with university management the following day.
According to sources familiar with the events, Eyam arrived at the UNICROSS administrative complex on the morning of Monday, April 7, in response to the invitation. Upon arrival, he was allegedly pointed out by Professor Bassey in the presence of her Principal Account Officer, Chief Security Officer, and other administrative staff. He was immediately handed over to operatives of “Operation Okwok,” a joint security task force set up by the Cross River State Government.
Witnesses report that law enforcement agents taunted Eyam, accusing him of trying to imitate high-profile figures like human rights lawyer Femi Falana and popular social critic Vincent Martins Otse, known as Very Dark Man. The arrest raised concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of student activists in the state.
Later the same day, Eyam was transferred to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afokang after a remand order was reportedly secured from a Magistrate Court. His arraignment was scheduled for April 25, where he was expected to take a plea. However, as of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether the court reversed its earlier decision or the charges were dropped altogether.
Photos that surfaced shortly after his release show Eyam at the Cross River State Government House, near the office of the State Security Adviser. The circumstances surrounding his release have not yet been officially clarified, but sources suggest a possible intervention at the state level.
This development has sparked fresh debates on university governance, student rights, and administrative accountability within the institution. As of press time, efforts to reach UNICROSS officials for comments were unsuccessful.
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