In a controversial move that has drawn widespread criticism, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a midnight raid on off-campus student hostels at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), resulting in the arrest of several students. According to Sahara Reporters, The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, and has been condemned by the FUTA Students Union Government (SUG) as a violation of the students’ rights and a breach of the EFCC chairman’s directives against nighttime operations.
A Shocking Awakening
According to reports, EFCC operatives stormed student lodges around Orita Obele Road at around 2 am, forcibly entering rooms and apprehending students. Initially, many students mistook the agents for kidnappers until it was later confirmed that they were indeed officials from the EFCC’s Benin Zonal office. The raid has left the student community in a state of fear and confusion, questioning the legality and motive behind the operation.
SUG’s Strong Condemnation
The FUTA Student Union Government, in a statement signed by its President, Olayemi Oluwasoromidayo, and other leaders, criticised the invasion as “unlawful” and an “insult” to the EFCC chairman, who had previously banned such midnight operations. The statement highlighted the distressing nature of the incident, stating that the students were subjected to unwarranted arrest, property destruction, molestation of a female student, and infliction of injuries on others.
The SUG also pointed out the contradiction between the raid and the EFCC’s recent directives aimed at ensuring adherence to the rule of law and respect for suspects’ rights. They called for the immediate release of the arrested students and urged the federal government to address the security concerns plaguing the university community.
EFCC’s Stance on Night Operations
The incident comes months after EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, explicitly directed operatives to cease sting operations during nighttime, emphasizing adherence to legal procedures and respect for suspects’ rights. The commission had also revised its arrest and bail procedures to prevent the detention of suspects beyond constitutionally allowed periods without a remand warrant and to ensure that demands for bail conditions are reasonable.
Call for Calm and Justice
As the FUTA student community reels from the shock of the raid, the SUG has called for calm and cooperation among students while they navigate this challenging situation. They have vowed to fight diligently for the rights and well-being of the affected students, emphasizing that their safety and security remain a top priority.
The EFCC’s actions have raised serious questions about the enforcement of its own policies and the impact on the rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens. The FUTA incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in the operations of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.
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