Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have raided a residential student community in Malete, Kwara State, Northcentral Nigeria, and ‘kidnapped’ several Kwara State University (KWASU) students at a night party.
According to an eyewitness, the officials, armed with guns, axes, hammers and cutlasses seized phones and laptops while marching the students into their vans.
Jimoh Mohammed, a KWASU student, said the EFCC invasion caused injuries to students and provoked agitations for a demonstration.
“They arrested students at a midnight party and took their cars and gadgets away,” he told FIJ. “Following the intervention of the students union and representatives of the Nigerian Students Association, Kwara State chapter, some students were released.”
Azeez Okikiola, President of the Kwara Students Union, who visited the EFCC Command Office in Ilorin, Kwara State, said 24 students were eventually released, while about 20 were still in the custody.
“We contacted the EFCC, Kwara State, and they confirmed that the operation was carried out by their officers. They said the students were arrested for cybercrime offences and those released were found innocent,” Okikiola told FIJ.
EFCC did not respond to telephone calls or messages sent to its telephone and email.