EFCC operatives allegedly arrest FUTA students in midnight raid

A yet-to-be-determined number of students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) have reportedly been apprehended by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a midnight raid on hostels outside the campus early Wednesday morning, according to multiple sources.

Operatives allegedly descended on students’ lodgings around Orita Obele and Road block at approximately 2 a.m., forcibly entering rooms and making arrests. Initially mistaken for kidnappers, it wasn't until later that students realized they were EFCC officials, purportedly from the Benin Zonal office of the commission.

Reports suggest that beyond property damage, many of the detained students, including females, were subjected to assault and brutality, according to a source.

This incident is concerning given EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede's directive from November 2023, halting nighttime sting operations following an episode in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The directive emphasized the agency's commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting suspects' rights.

In response to the raid, the FUTA Student Union Government issued a statement condemning the invasion as unlawful and a contradiction to the chairman's ban on midnight arrests. They highlighted the breach of students' rights and urged for calm cooperation during the investigation.

EFCC's recent actions raise questions about adherence to its protocols and respect for due process, particularly concerning arrest and detention procedures. Such incidents must be thoroughly investigated and addressed to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.