BREAKING: Tensions in FUTA as EFCC Operatives Invade Students’ Hostels, Arrest Numerous Students

Papalble tensions gripped students and concerned residents within the environs as the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), conducted a midnight raid on students’ hostels at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

The operation, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday, saw EFCC operatives storming lodges around Orita Obele, Roadblock, and arresting an unspecified number of students.

Reports indicate that the students initially mistook the EFCC officials for kidnappers, highlighting the sudden and terrifying nature of the raid.

Many students were allegedly assaulted and brutalized, including female students, while their properties were destroyed, sparking outrage among the student body and the public at large.

This raid comes just a few months after EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, directed operatives to cease sting operations at night. The directive, aimed at ensuring adherence to the rule of law, followed the arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

In response to criticisms, the EFCC has announced a review of its arrest and bail procedures to align with international best practices.
The commission emphasized the need to respect the rights of suspects and avoid undue detention without a remand warrant. Additionally, the EFCC has prohibited the demand for professional certificates of sureties as a bail condition and stated that requests for international passports will be exercised with discretion.

The EFCC’s actions at FUTA have raised concerns about the agency’s approach to combating crime and respecting human rights. Many are calling for transparency and accountability in the EFCC’s operations to prevent future incidents of this nature.