Protest at EFCC Office as OAU Students Demand Release of Arrested Colleagues

It was reported that the protest was led by the leadership of the Students’ Union Government of the university.

Meanwhile, the university’s management stated that there has been no communication between the anti-graft agency and the institution regarding any allegations or accusations of financial crimes involving its students.

According to sources in Ile-Ife, officials from EFCC raided the Fine Touch and Superb hostels in Oduduwa Estate around midnight and arrested over 70 students.

The reasons for the arrests have not been confirmed yet, but the Students’ Union President, Abass Ojo, claimed that “72 students were picked up from their hostels, and their phones and cars were confiscated.

“We received information that EFCC officials raided the two hostels between 1:40 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. But the question remains: how can people be arrested for using iPhones, laptops, and cars?” Ojo added.

Furthermore, a female student named Ewatee disclosed that female students were among those arrested, and even some first-year students who had gone to greet their senior colleagues were also taken into custody.

“According to our sources, the students were seen being escorted into a white Hummer bus, which was one of the six vehicles in their convoy, under the supervision of security officials, heading towards Ibadan,” the student said.

However, the university’s management informed NAN that an investigation is ongoing regarding the reported arrests of the students.

Mr. Olanrewaju Abiodun, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, stated that it cannot be confirmed at this time whether those arrested are indeed OAU students.

“As of now, there has been no communication between the anti-graft agency and the institution regarding any allegations or accusations of financial crimes involving our students.

“The management is currently making inquiries to ascertain if those arrested by EFCC are our students and to determine their actual number.

“I can assure you that once we have any information or breakthrough on the identities of those arrested, the management will meet and provide an update,” he said.

When contacted, Olumide Egbodofo, the Head of Public Affairs at the Ibadan zonal command of EFCC, stated that a press statement regarding the incident would be released soon.

“A press statement will be released regarding that soon,” Egbodofo said.

NAN