File Photo Of The EFCC Operatives.
On Wednesday, the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) granted freedom to 58 out of the 69 Obafemi Awolowo University students from Ile-Ife, Osun State, who had been previously detained on suspicion of internet fraud.
During the morning hours, the anti-corruption agency apprehended the students in a late-night operation conducted in lodgings situated off-campus. Based on the commission’s information, they were captured in the Oduduwa Estate vicinity of Ile-Ife due to “credible intelligence” pointing to their potential participation in fraudulent internet-related activities.
John Alao, the South-West Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), affirmed the students’ release during a phone conversation.
Additionally, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, also confirmed the release. He said, “many of the suspects duly profiled by the Command have been released, while profiling of suspects yet un-released will be completed, without further delay.”
However, Oyewale did not specify the precise quantity of students who were set free.
The statement stated, “In line with the newly-reviewed procedures on arrest and bail of suspects by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed that sting operations at night time be stopped in all the Commands of the EFCC.”
“The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its adherence to the rule of law, in the exercise of its mandate.”