In the wake of the unlawful arrests of over 69 OAU students over false allegations of fraud, the community of Great Ife has shown remarkable resilience in its fight for the release of their fellow students.
This determination culminated in a peaceful protest at the EFCC zonal office by members of the Great Ife community, demanding the release of the innocent students held in custody.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State also showed great concern by urging the state’s Attorney General to work diligently towards securing the release of the wrongfully detained students. As of the time of writing this report, we can’t verify the exact number of students released, but over 59 students were released already from EFCC custody in Ibadan .
It’s a testament to the unity and strength of Great Ife, which once again made headlines by shocking the entire country. The community’s solidarity is an inspiration to all.
Following the controversial arrests, the EFCC took to their platform to make a significant announcement. In a press statement released by Dele Oyewale, the agency’s Head of Media & Publicity, it was revealed that the EFCC has taken measures to ban midnight raids. This move comes in response to the unlawful arrest of innocent students tagged to be fraudsters by EFCC operatives
Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, issued a directive on November 1, 2023, in Abuja, stating that sting operations during nighttime hours would be halted across all EFCC commands. Many of the suspects, who had been duly profiled by the Command, have already been released. The profiling of remaining suspects will be completed promptly.
In the statement, the EFCC assured the public that it remains committed to upholding the rule of law in the exercise of its mandate. This action is expected to have a significant impact on the conduct of EFCC operations and ensure that the rights of suspects are upheld throughout the arrest and bail process.
Here is a copy of the press release by EFCC ;
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.
He gave the directive in Abuja on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 in reaction to the arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal of the Commission in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Already, 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.
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.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
November 1, 2023
Great Ife’s unwavering commitment to justice and the subsequent ban on nighttime sting operations by the EFCC highlight the power of collective action in addressing important issues. This is yet another chapter in the story of Great Ife’s indomitable spirit, proving once again that “Aluta Continua” – the struggle continues.
