Students of the Ekiti State University(EKSU), Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday protested the alleged harassment and unlawful arrest of colleagues by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This is coming weeks after over 40 youths, some of whom were students of higher institutions, were arrested in Ado Ekiti by EFCC and transferred to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for alleged internet fraud.
The protest which started around 8.15am paralysed academic activities as students blocked the Ado-Ifaki dual carriageway for over two hours, causing gridlock that affected travellers, some of whom detoured to alternative roads.
Addressing the students, the Director of Welfare, EKSU Students’ Union Government, Comrade Temitope Aladejare, said four of his colleagues were arrested by police officers on Wednesday.
“They just came to the hostel in front of the EKSU’s main gate and arrested four of our members. Two of the victims were even naked and they were in their rooms when they pounced on them.
“When they came, they introduced themselves as operatives of the EFCC and forcefully bundled the victims into a van and took them to an unknown destination.
“We are calling on authorities of governments to call them to order,” he said.
When contacted, EKSU Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bode Olofinmuagun, said he was not around and couldn’t get firsthand information about the whole situation.
However, Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, confirmed the arrest which triggered the protest. He said the police swiftly swung into action to restore peace to the affected areas.
According to him, “I can confirm to you that there were arrests, but the police will continue to be an effective security organisation that will continually work for the peace of our society.
“The students protested and they blocked the major highway and prevented commuters from moving in and out of the state capital. This we will never condone because that road is not within the confine of the university.
“They obstructed vehicular movements for hours but we have been able to remove those blockages and restored peace and order around the school premises.