Just In: OAU Students Arrested for Internet Fraud, University Meets EFCC
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, is in discussions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the arrest of 69 individuals suspected of internet fraud, with many of them being students of the university. Subsequently, 58 of the students were released following the arrests.
The EFCC conducted a late-night raid, apprehending the students from hostels outside the OAU campus. The Students’ Union President, Akinremi Ojo, condemned the arrests, with 72 students reported to have been picked up and had their phones and cars seized.
Joy Abiola, a former union official, claimed that the students were beaten during the arrests, stating that some of the students were tech experts and should not have been arrested for owning iPhones, laptops, and cars.
The EFCC later confirmed the arrest of 69 suspects in Ile-Ife, who were detained for their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities. The suspects have provided statements to the EFCC and will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
OAU students protested at the EFCC office in Ibadan, demanding the release of their colleagues. The Osun Joint Campus Committee of the National Association of Nigerian Students also condemned the arrests.
The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, confirmed that 58 students were released, while the remaining 11 have cases to answer.
