EFCC releases 58 out of 69 detained OAU students
In a controversial midnight raid, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released 58 out of the 69 students from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, who were detained earlier in the week.
The students were initially apprehended during the raid, which took place outside the university campus.
The EFCC’s operation, which occurred at around 2 a.m., targeted hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, including the Fine Touch and Superb hostels, where they broke into rooms and arrested the students.
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The move sparked criticism from multiple sources in Ile-Ife and led to condemnation from the National Association of University Students (NAUS).
In a statement issued by NAUS, the leadership expressed their concern about the EFCC’s actions, describing them as similar to the actions of “a gang of thieves and burglars.”
The statement was signed by Eruobami Ayobami, the National Director of Security and Safety; Babalola Daniel, the Deputy National President; and Akinyemi Hammed, the Vice Chairman of NAUS in the state.
The EFCC, in its defense, stated that the arrests were made as part of an operation against suspected internet fraudsters in Ile-Ife. According to the anti-graft agency, credible intelligence had linked the Oduduwa Estate to fraudulent internet-related activities.
As of 8:51 p.m. on Wednesday, Eruobami confirmed that 58 of the students had been released. The incident has raised questions about the process and actions of the EFCC in its fight against cybercrime.
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