EFCC Bans Sting Operations at Night Amid #FreeOAUStudents Protests

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on Wednesday, ordered an immediate ban on sting operations at night time in all commands of the commission.

This goes in line with the recently reviewed processes on the EFCC’s arrest and bail of suspected persons.

Mr. Olukoyede gave the instruction in Abuja as contained in a statement conveyed by Head, Media and Publicity of the commission, Mr. Dele Oyewale, following the controversial arrest of at least 69 students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife at night while they slept in their hostels.

“The chairman gave the directive in Abuja on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 in reaction to the arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters in Ile-Ife, Osun State, by operatives of the Ibadan zonal command of the commission,” Mr. Oyewale said.

The arrested students were said to be “suspected internet fraudsters”, according to operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the anti-graft agency in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The commission had taken to social media to profile the arrested students, causing a social media outrage that led to the #FreeOAUStudents protests demanding for the release of the detained students.

Mr. Oyewale also confirmed the release of some of the arrested students.

“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,” the Spokesperson said