The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife has revealed that it is in discussions with officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters, many of whom are students of the university.
Out of the 69 arrested students, 58 were later released.
The EFCC conducted a late-night raid on hostels outside the OAU campus, including Fine Touch and Superb hostels in the Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife. During the operation, students were arrested, and some were reportedly beaten. The Students’ Union President, Akinremi Ojo, condemned the approach of the arrests and demanded the release of the students. A former union official, Joy Abiola, criticized the arrests, stating that some of the students were tech experts and were arrested for owning iPhones, laptops, and cars.
The EFCC confirmed the arrest of 69 suspects in Ile-Ife on its verified Facebook page, stating that the arrests were made following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities. The agency did not specify the identity of the suspects as students but disclosed that they had made useful statements and would be charged to court once investigations were concluded.
Following the arrests, OAU students, led by union officers, mobilized to the EFCC office in Ibadan to demand the release of their colleagues. They protested at the EFCC premises while armed security operatives were present.
The Osun Joint Campus Committee arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students also condemned the arrests, stating that the students were transported to Ibadan without justification or evidence.
The Public Relations Officer of OAU confirmed that 58 of the students were released, while the remaining 11 had cases to answer. The university’s management is reportedly working with the EFCC on the matter.
