In the wee hours of the morning of November 1st, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly broke into student hostels off campus, arresting over 60 male students of the Obafemi Awolowo University and carting away with valuables including cars, laptops and other gadgets owned by the students.
The unconfirmed individuals or EFCC officers also reportedly destroyed CCTV cameras in the hostels.
This action, which is being touted as a “kidnap” of these students since no warrant or explanation for their arrests was ascertained, has been completely condemned by the entire student community.
The Great Ife Students’ Union also released a statement on the matter through a post on X which read thus:
“We strongly condemn the recent unjust arrest and harassment of our fellow students by members of the EFCC in the odd hours of today, Nov 1st, 2023. This action is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and due process.”
“We stand in solidarity with our peers and call for a thorough investigation into these incidents. The safety and rights of students must be protected.”
“We urge everyone to engage this link by retweeting and tagging every necessary quarter.”
Several videos which were secretly made by eyewitnesses showing the male students being slapped and forced into buses at midnight, have also been making rounds across social media.
While the location of the arrested students hasn’t been fully ascertained, OAU students under the leadership of the Great Ife Students’ Union body have begun mobilization to locate the whereabouts of their fellow students.
The School Management of OAU has yet to issue any statement addressing these reports. Efforts to get EFCC comments have also not been fruitful. An operative who prefers anonymity promised to inquire and report back but has not done so as at press time.
We await further details and information on this matter.
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