In a startling turn of events, more than 70 students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, found themselves in the custody of officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a midnight raid on hostels situated outside the campus. The incident sent shockwaves through the university community, leaving many questions unanswered.
According to multiple sources in Ile-Ife, the incident unfolded around 2 a.m. when EFCC officials descended on the Fine Touch and Superb hostels in Oduduwa Estate. In a disturbing operation, they forcefully entered rooms and apprehended the students residing there. As of the time of reporting, the exact reasons behind these arrests remain uncertain.
Students' Union President, Abass Ojo, shed some light on the situation, revealing that the union had information on "72 students picked up from the hostel, with phones and cars confiscated." The news took a distressing turn when a former union official, Joy Abiola, reported that the arrested students were subjected to physical abuse.
"The EFCC officials arrived between 1:40 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.," Joy disclosed, emphasizing that only students inhabit these hostels. She questioned the rationale behind apprehending individuals for owning common items like iPhones, laptops, and cars.
To make matters worse, female students were among those taken into custody, and even some first-year students, who had merely paid visits to their senior colleagues, were not spared. The overall approach to the operation left many perplexed and outraged.
In a video shared by one of the students, the distressing scene unfolds as numerous young individuals, presumed to be students of the hostel, are herded into a white Hummer Bus. The footage captures security officials forcefully urging them to move quickly and enter the vehicle.
Another video captured several vehicles, including the white Hummer Bus, in motion. Students indicated that the officials were departing from the Ile-Ife area, heading towards Ibadan.
As of the time of inquiry, the head of Public Affairs Department at the EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Command, Olumide Egbodofo, stated that a comprehensive update on the incident would be provided in the form of a press release. Unfortunately, efforts to reach the university's spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, proved futile.
This perplexing incident has ignited concerns within the academic community, raising questions about the rights and well-being of the students involved. The situation demands a swift and transparent resolution to address the uncertainties surrounding the arrests and ensure the students' rights are protected.
