EFCC condemns Assault on Operatives by College Students and Staff.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent attack on its operatives by students and staff of the Federal College of Forestry, Idi-shin Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident took place on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
In a press release, the EFCC stated that its operatives were at the college to authenticate the address and identity of Azeez Kazeem Oluwakemi, who had stood as a surety for Alakinde Khalid Kolawole, a suspected internet fraudster currently in the Commission’s custody.
However, what should have been a routine procedure turned hostile when the operatives were met with aggression from students, led by their Union President, and staff.
EFCC Operatives Attacked and Held Hostage by Students
The group barricaded the two main entrance gates with a car and vandalized the EFCC’s vehicle. They also resorted to pelting stones and dangerous objects at the operatives, ultimately holding seven of them hostage.
It was only through the intervention of a rescue team that the hostages were eventually released, as detailed in the EFCC’s official statement.
Despite the unwarranted attack, the Commission highlighted that its operatives showed remarkable restraint in the face of provocation and chose not to respond with force.
The EFCC further warned against any future obstruction of its operatives during the discharge of their duties, emphasizing that such acts would no longer be tolerated. In the official statement, the Commission made its position clear: “The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will continue to perform its duties in line with its mandate, and unprovoked attacks against personnel of the Commission will no longer be tolerated.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of law enforcement personnel while performing their duties, and it underscores the need for dialogue and cooperation between the EFCC, educational institutions, and the community. The EFCC remains committed to upholding its responsibilities and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in all its operations, as it works to combat economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.
