ASUU Fights Back as Police Arrest IMSU Union Leaders Over Indefinite Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has condemned the arrest of its Imo State University branch officials by police operatives in Owerri, declaring that security intimidation will not force lecturers back to the classrooms.

The arrest occurred shortly after IMSU ASUU branch Chairman Stephen Oguji and other executive members featured on a morning radio program to explain why the union launched a total and indefinite strike. Police officers intercepted and detained the union leaders, holding them for several hours of questioning before releasing them following heavy public backlash.

Reacting to the incident, ASUU Owerri Zonal Coordinator Professor Dennis Aribodor criticized state authorities and security agencies for resorting to harassment rather than addressing the legitimate demands of university staff. He emphasized that police roundups cannot break the collective resolve of academic personnel fighting for their legitimate entitlements and working conditions.

The strike, which has paralyzed academic activities across the institution, stems from prolonged welfare disputes with the Imo State Government and university management. Key demands include the immediate implementation of the 2025 ASUU-Federal Government agreement, payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2016, the release of 21 months of withheld check-off dues, and the clearance of outstanding salary backlogs.

Despite the release of the union officials, ASUU leadership maintained that the university shutdown will remain active until all outstanding financial and administrative grievances are resolved, leaving examination schedules and academic activities on hold across the campus.