Men suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly conducted a midnight operation at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State. The operation, which unfolded around 2 am, involved the invasion of students’ lodges, leading to a series of alarming allegations and expressions of concern.
Students have taken to social media platforms to share videos, asserting that the EFCC operatives forcibly entered rooms and made arrests during the midnight raid. Videos circulating online depict broken window frames, suggesting attempts at forced entry. One social media user expressed disbelief, stating, “I thought they said EFCC should not raid at nights again. This hostel (Celebrity Lodge, FUTA) is right behind mine. When will this endemic end? EFCC (officials) moving like thieves at night!”
In one of the videos, a man wearing an EFCC jacket is seen, adding to the authenticity of the claims made by the students. The incident raises questions about the timing and approach of such operations, especially given the previous directive from the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede. In November, Olukoyede ordered that sting operations at night be halted, a decision prompted by the controversial arrest of suspected internet fraudsters in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The directive to cease nighttime operations was intended to address public concerns and criticisms regarding the methods employed by EFCC operatives. However, the recent incident at FUTA suggests a potential breach of this directive, triggering renewed scrutiny of the agency’s adherence to established protocols.
Efforts to obtain a statement from the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, were met with a request to call back in 20 minutes. However, as of the time of this publication, further attempts to reach Oyewale have been unsuccessful, leaving the public awaiting an official response from the EFCC.
The midnight raid at FUTA raises broader questions about the balance between law enforcement activities and respecting the rights and well-being of individuals. It adds another layer to the ongoing discussions surrounding the methods employed by anti-corruption agencies in carrying out their operations and the impact on the public perception of such entities.
