FUTA: NANS Pledges to Occupy EFCC Offices, Demands Release of Students Raided Overnight

The Ondo State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council (NANS-JCC), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to promptly release all students unlawfully detained following a raid on their hostels.

While acknowledging the importance of combating financial crimes and other illegal activities, the student body expressed dismay over the arbitrary arrest and detention of innocent students, branding it as a serious injustice and a violation of their basic rights.

In a statement co-signed by Acting Chairman, Comrade Salami Rosheed, and General Secretary, Comrade Cyprian Ihedi, NANS-JCC cautioned that failure to release the detained students immediately would compel them to mobilize fellow students to occupy EFCC offices.

“It has come to our attention that a number of Nigerian students were unjustly detained during a recent raid conducted by the EFCC in the student areas of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

“While we acknowledge the importance of combating financial crimes and illegal activities, we strongly believe that the indiscriminate arrest and detention of innocent students is a grave injustice and a violation of their fundamental rights,” said the student body.

The NANS-JCC conveyed a reminder to the Chairman of EFCC, highlighting that the recent actions of his personnel contradicted his sworn commitment to cease all midnight mass raids during his inauguration by Bola Tinubu.

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They expressed profound dismay over the reported gross misconduct and violation of student rights during the raid.

“Numerous students, including female students, were subjected to a highly invasive and traumatic experience, being caught unaware and forced to face the EFCC officials while in various states of undress. This blatant disregard for their privacy and dignity is both unacceptable and deeply disturbing.

“Also reports has come to light that some medical patients residing in the hostel, who require special care and attention, were subjected to assault and unnecessary distress during the raid. This not only jeopardizes their well-being but also demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and consideration for individuals who are already vulnerable due to their medical conditions.

“Therefore, we hereby request, in the strongest terms, that the EFCC promptly and unconditionally releases all Nigerian students who were detained during the raid in the FUTA student areas, provided their cases have no direct connection to any proven financial crimes. We implore you to consider the negative impact this situation has on the students’ lives, their families, and the entire educational system.

“Failure to heed our appeal with immediate effect, will leave us with no choice but to mobilize our members and relocate our Secretariat to your office premises.

“We will peacefully protest and stage demonstrations that will undoubtedly disrupt the normal functioning of your organization. Additionally, we will be compelled to explore all necessary legal avenues to seek justice for our unlawfully detained colleagues.”

The student body firmly believes in the rule of law and holds the EFCC in high esteem as an institution dedicated to preserving justice and fairness.

“We trust that you will act swiftly to address this matter and ensure the immediate release of the detained students. By doing so, you will not only restore their rights but also demonstrate the EFCC’s commitment to fairness and justice.”