The administration of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife has stated that it is in discussions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in response to the apprehension of 69 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud. A significant number of these suspects are reportedly students of the university.
Subsequently, 58 of the detained students were released late Wednesday. The EFCC conducted a midnight raid on hostels located outside the OAU campus, including Fine Touch and Superb hostels in the Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife. During the operation, the EFCC officials broke into rooms and detained the students.
The Students’ Union President, Akinremi Ojo, reported that the union had information about “72 students picked up from the hostel with phones and cars taken away.” The president demanded the release of the students while expressing disapproval of the arrest methods. A former union official, Joy Abiola, mentioned that the students were subjected to physical violence during the arrests.
The EFCC operation took place between 1:40 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. and primarily targeted students. Some of the students were apprehended for owning iPhones, laptops, and cars, and it was noted that some of them were tech experts.
Videos shared by the students depicted them being transported to the EFCC zonal office in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in a white Hummer Bus accompanied by security officials.
The EFCC later confirmed the arrest of 69 suspects in Ile-Ife, although it did not specify their status as students. The agency stated that they were apprehended based on actionable intelligence regarding their suspected involvement in internet-related fraudulent activities linked to Oduduwa Estate. The suspects have provided statements to the EFCC and will face legal charges when investigations are complete.
Following the arrests, OAU students, along with union officials, protested at the EFCC office in Ibadan to demand the release of their peers. Armed security personnel were stationed at the EFCC premises during the protest.
The Osun Joint Campus Committee arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students condemned the arrest of students, citing a lack of justification or evidence for the invasion of the students’ residences and their subsequent transport to Ibadan.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the university’s management was in discussions with EFCC officials and confirmed that 58 of the detained students were released, while the remaining 11 have pending legal issues.
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