NANS Condemns EFCC’s Brutal Raid on FUTA Students
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its aggressive conduct during recent raids on student lounges in Akure, targeting students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
In a statement released on Sunday by its Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, NANS condemned the June 7 raid, during which 127 students, both male and female, were arrested. The student body described the actions of the EFCC operatives as a violation of the students’ rights and a disregard for due process and justice.
While NANS acknowledged the importance of the EFCC’s role in combating cybercrime and upholding the rule of law, it expressed deep concern over the chaos and injustice witnessed during the raid. The organization noted that despite ongoing dialogue with the EFCC Command, there remains a troubling pattern of abuse against students.
NANS urged the EFCC to exercise greater intelligence and precision in their operations, ensuring that only those with concrete evidence against them are targeted, rather than innocent students who are striving to find solace in challenging times.
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“The primary duty of the EFCC is to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes, ensuring the integrity of our financial systems and protecting the public from fraud and corruption.
“However, this mandate must be carried out with the utmost professionalism and respect for human rights. The EFCC must operate as a law enforcement agency, not as thieves and burglars who use excessive force and violate the rights of innocent citizens.
“The EFCC must employ more effective strategies to identify and apprehend suspects. They possess the necessary information to focus their efforts on genuine criminals, rather than exploiting these operations to mistreat and violate the rights of the general populace. They must adhere to the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the dignity of every individual.
“We are calling for immediate sanctions against the erring officers involved in the maltreatment of innocent ladies during this raid. We also demand a thorough review and adjustment of the EFCC’s operational procedures to ensure such abuses do not recur.
“Furthermore, we urge the EFCC to engage in continuous training and development for their officers to enhance their investigative skills and ensure they conduct their operations in line with international human rights standards. The agency must build public trust by demonstrating a commitment to justice and human rights, not by instilling fear and perpetuating abuse.
“We stand firmly against any form of human rights abuse and will continue to advocate for the protection and dignity of every Nigerian citizen,” NANS stated.
