Tension Erupts As EFCC Targets Hostels At Sokoto University In Surprise Operation

Tension Erupts As EFCC Targets Hostels At Sokoto University In Surprise Operation

Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a midnight operation on Saturday, raiding private hostels at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto and resulting in the arrest of several students…….CONTINUE READING 

Eyewitnesses, speaking to Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, reported that the raid took place around 4 AM in the Kwakwalawa and Gidan Yaro communities on campus. One student, identified only as Abdul, recounted the chaos, saying, “It was like a scene from a movie. We thought they were kidnappers at first until we saw the EFCC logo on their vests.” He noted that the operatives did not provide explanations for the arrests or show any warrants.

Another student condemned the operation, stating, “This is unacceptable. We demand answers from the EFCC. What were they looking for? Why did they arrest our colleagues?”

Efforts to reach the university’s management were unsuccessful, as the Public Relations Officer, Ismaila Muhammad, could not be contacted. However, a senior staff member, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that around 40 students were arrested. After an initial investigation, 30 students were released, while 10 remained in EFCC custody.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, confirmed the arrests to Sunday PUNCH, clarifying that only 13 students were taken into custody in connection with internet fraud. He stated, “We don’t do raids. The term ‘raid’ implies force, and that’s not our method. We conduct sting operations, which are a globally accepted way of making arrests.” He also emphasized that the arrests occurred outside the university campus.