The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday released 58 out of the 69 students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who were arrested earlier in the day.
In a statement, the anti-graft agency noted that the arrested students were suspected of being involved in internet fraud in Ile-Ife.
The statement read, “They were arrested on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Oduduwa Estate area of Ile-Ife, Osun State, following actionable intelligence about their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities. Credible intelligence linked Oduduwa Estate with the activities of suspected internet fraudsters.
However, 58 out of the 70 students who were arrested have been released.
Confirming the release of the students in a statement signed by the President of Obafemi Awolowo University, Abbas Akinremi, 58 out of the 70 students arrested have been released from the custody of the anti-graft agency.
News About Nigeria had previously reported that the EFCC arrested no fewer than 70 students of the university in a midnight raid on hostels outside the campus. The EFCC had stormed the Fine Touch and Superb hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, broke into rooms, and arrested the students over alleged cybercrimes.
In reaction to their arrest, the National Association of University Students condemned the arrest of the students by the EFCC. Additionally, students of the University had also stormed the EFCC office to protest the detention of their schoolmates whom the Commission arrested.
Therefore, the release of the students is not unrelated to the pressure exerted by the Obafemi Awolowo University Union leaders and students who were demanding the immediate release of their colleagues.
