At least 11 students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, would be charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency had earlier arrested 69 suspected Internet fraudsters, many of whom are students of the university fifty eight of whom were later released late Wednesday after a meeting with the management of the institution.
The officials were said to have raided hostels outside the OAU campus and arrested the students.
The Students’ Union President, Akinremi Ojo, demanded the immediate release of the 72 students the officials arrested.
Ojo also condemned the approach of the arrests.
A former union official, Joy Abiola, noted that the students were beaten during the arrests.
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Abiola said, “The EFCC officials came between 1:40 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.,” saying, “Only students stay in those hostels. How can you arrest people for owning iPhones, laptops, and cars? Some of the students are only tech experts.”
Meanwhile, the EFCC in a statement on its verified Facebook page hours later confirmed that it arrested 69 suspects in Ile-Ife. The anti-graft agency listed the names of the suspects but was silent on their identity as students.
“They were arrested on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Oduduwa Estate area of Ile-Ife, Osun State, following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in fraudulent Internet-related activities. Credible intelligence linked Oduduwa Estate with activities of suspected internet fraudsters,” the statement said.
The agency disclosed further that, “The suspects have made useful statements to the EFCC and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
Hours after the arrests, several OAU students led by union officers mobilised from Ile-Ife to the EFCC office in Ibadan to demand the release of their colleagues. They were seen protesting as the armed security operatives barricaded the EFCC premises.
“We’re here until they release the students,” the PRO of the Students’ Union, Elijah Omisore, declared.