Following the arrest of nearly 70 students from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State by EFCC officials in a late-night raid on off-campus hostels, the agency has released 58 of the detained individuals. The incident, which occurred at the Fine Touch and Superb hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, saw students being taken into custody in the early hours of Wednesday.
Amidst the public outcry, the National Association Of University Students expressed strong disapproval of the EFCC’s actions. In a joint statement by key student representatives, including Eruobami Ayobami, Babalola Daniel, and Akinyemi Hammed, the leadership condemned the arrest, likening the agency’s conduct to that of ‘a gang of thieves and burglars.’ They emphasized the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of the students under their care, highlighting the perceived overreach and aggression displayed by the EFCC during the arrests.
The anti-graft agency in a statement said it arrested 69 suspected internet fraudsters in Ile-Ife.
“They were arrested on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Oduduwa Estate area of Ile-Ife, Osun State following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities. Credible intelligence linked Oduduwa Estate with activities of suspected internet fraudsters,” the anti-graft agency said.
Confirming the release to our correspondent at 8:51pm on Wednesday, Eruobami said, “58 students have been released.”
