Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently arrested more than 70 students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State. This report aims to provide a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding these arrests and the subsequent developments.
On a date prior to November 2, 2023, EFCC officials conducted a late-night raid on student hostels located outside the OAU campus. The raid reportedly occurred at approximately 2 a.m., during which the officials forcibly entered rooms in the Fine Touch and Superb hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, and apprehended students indiscriminately. The reasons for the arrests had not been confirmed at the time of this report.
According to OAU Students’ Union President, Abass Ojo, a total of 72 students were picked up from the hostel, and their phones and cars were seized during the operation. Additionally, it was reported that some students were subjected to physical abuse during the arrests.
Several witnesses and affected students voiced their concerns about the EFCC’s approach, as some students were arrested merely for possessing items such as iPhones, laptops, and cars. The indiscriminate nature of the arrests raised questions about the legitimacy and proportionality of the operation.
In response to the incident, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State intervened, directing the state’s Attorney General to collaborate with the school administration, Student Union leadership, and the EFCC to address the issue. Governor Adeleke expressed his commitment to safeguarding the rights of the students and ensuring that due process would be followed. He also pledged to closely monitor the situation to ensure transparency throughout the resolution process.
Following public outrage and protests, the EFCC took action and began releasing the arrested OAU students. As of Wednesday night, 45 out of the 69 students who were initially arrested had been released, according to an undisclosed source. The EFCC stated that they were continuing their investigation into the remaining students.
The arrests of over 70 OAU students by the EFCC raised concerns about the circumstances and justification for these actions. Governor Adeleke’s intervention and the subsequent release of some students suggest that there may have been issues with the initial arrests. This situation underscores the importance of upholding students’ rights and ensuring that law enforcement agencies follow due process when carrying out such operations. The EFCC is expected to provide further updates and clarifications regarding the incident.
