EFCC bans sting operations at night after raid on OAU students
*Photo: Mr. Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman *
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a ban on night-time sting operations across all its commands.
The directive, issued by Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, comes in the wake of a recent operation in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where 69 suspected internet fraudsters, mainly off campus students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, were arrested by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command.
The decision to halt night-time sting operations is said to be part of the EFCC’s newly-reviewed procedures on arrest and bail of suspects.
In a statement issued by Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media & Publicity for EFCC, the Commission emphasized its commitment to upholding the rule of law in the execution of its mandate.
On the 69 arrested persons, Oyewale said: “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.”
He added that “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.”
EFCC officials had between 1:40 a.m. and 4:00 a.m stormed Fine Touch and Superb hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, and rounded up the students.
This resulted into the Students Union Government of the institution leading a protest party of students to the EFCC’s Zonal Office.
The Students’ Union President, Abass Ojo, said the union had details of “72 students picked up from their hostels, with phones and cars taken away.
“Information at our reach revealed that EFCC officials stormed the two hostels between 1:40 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., but the question remains: how can you arrest people for using iPhones, laptops, and cars?”
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