The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has disclosed that it is in discussions with officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters, a significant number of whom are students of the university.
Fifty-eight of the students were subsequently released late on Wednesday after being arrested. EFCC officials conducted a late-night raid on hostels located outside the OAU campus, including Fine Touch and Superb hostels in the Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, where they broke into rooms and apprehended the students.
The Students’ Union President, Akinremi Ojo, stated that the union had information about “72 students picked up from the hostel with phones and cars taken away.” He demanded the release of the students while condemning the manner in which the arrests were conducted.
A former union official, Joy Abiola, revealed that the students were subjected to physical violence during the arrests. She questioned the rationale for arresting individuals for owning iPhones, laptops, and cars, arguing that some of the students were tech experts.
Videos circulated on social media showed students being marched into a white Hummer Bus by security officials. They were allegedly subjected to physical force and were transported to the EFCC zonal office in Ibadan.
The EFCC later confirmed the arrest of 69 suspects in Ile-Ife, stating that the Oduduwa Estate area was linked to suspected internet fraud-related activities. The statement did not specify the identity of the suspects as students.
The statement noted, “The suspects have made useful statements to the EFCC and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
OAU students, including union officers, traveled to the EFCC office in Ibadan to demand the release of their colleagues. They staged protests while security personnel cordoned off the EFCC premises.
The Osun Joint Campus Committee arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students condemned the arrests and called for the release of the students, describing the action as unjustified and lacking evidence.
The Public Relations Officer of OAU, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the university’s management was meeting with EFCC officials. He later confirmed that 58 of the students were released, while the remaining 11 had pending cases to address.
