The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has explained why students of Obafemi Awolowo University were reported to be internet fraudsters.
The anti-graft body reported that it had detained 69 suspected internet fraudsters in Ile-Ife, Osun State, in a press release on its official website.
“They were arrested on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Oduduwa Estate area of Ile-Ife, Osun State, following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities. Credible intelligence linked Oduduwa Estate with the activities of suspected internet fraudsters,” the anti-graft agency said.
Recall that the commission arrested no fewer than 70 students at Obafemi Awolowo University. They were reportedly arrested by officials of the EFCC in a midnight raid on hostels outside the campus.
Multiple sources in Ile-Ife have confirmed that in the early hours of Wednesday, officials conducted a raid on the Fine Touch and Superb hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife. During the operation, rooms were forcibly entered, and students were apprehended.
As of the time of this report, the specific reasons for these arrests remain unconfirmed. However, Abass Ojo, the Students’ Union President, stated that the union has information about “72 students picked up from the hostel with their phones and cars confiscated.”
A former union official, Joy Abiola, informed our correspondent that the arrested students were subjected to physical assault.
Meanwhile, the National Association of University Students has expressed its strong condemnation of the EFCC’s actions in arresting these students.
In a statement signed by its National Director of Security and Safety, Eruobami Ayobami; Deputy National President, Babalola Daniel; and the Vice Chairman of NAUS in the state, Akinyemi Hammed, the students’ leadership faults the process and actions of the commission, saying, “It is important that as student leaders, the security and safety of our students is paramount to us, and the actions of the EFCC are synonymous with an action of a gang of thieves and burglars.”
EFCC listed the names of the suspects to include: Dankuwo Eniola Erioluwa, Mustapha Monsuru Oluwanisola, Adeyeye Timilehin Ebenezer, Toromade Hammed Adedeji, Busari Abdulazeez Ayodeji, Adeleye Olumuyiwa Emmanuel, Oluwasakin Moyosore Favour, Olubini Pere Michael, Oluwadara Emmanuel Benny, Gbadamosi Okikola Omotola, Okusipe Tobiloba Paul, Nnekwelugo Enaemeka, Aghwaritoma Wisdom, Adesina Gbolahan Khalid, and Michael Olugoke Oluwaseun.
Others are: Obafemi Joshua Mayowa, Eronmonsele Anthony Igberaese, Salau Oluwawumi, Jaiyeola Yinka Temitope, Ajayi Ayodeji Olanrenwaju, Oguntade Oluwabukunmi David, Abdulmumini Abdulsamad, Tolulope Oduola Folaranmi, Kayode Abdulraheem Ajuwon, Akinyemi Oluwagbenro Aduragbemi, Ayodeji Olumose Adedeji, Alawode Femi Segun, Junaid Hafiz Adeyinka, Akolade Oladele Sunday, Oyeniyi Banji Andrew, Oladusu Lanrinde Morakinyo, Ojo John Ifeoluwa, Akwuaka Tochukwu Blaise, Ogunleye Daniel Ayobami, and Adebowale Omodesire Diekola.
The rest are: Arekemase Olayinka Ridwan, Ajigbolamu Ayomide Ademola, Asegun David Damola, Adibe Elvis Ebubechukwu, Ohakanu Chidubem, Adeoye Mayowa Irejah, Adesokan Charles Adekunle, Olorunfemi Isaac Oladimeji, Odeyemi Femi Victor, Alimi Ajibola Akorede, Okeke Ifaenyi Francis, Fawehinmi Ayomide Simeon, Soniola Olumide Elijah, Yahaya Isah Salihu, Daramola Junia Olamide, Agbabikaka Mojuolaoluwa, and Kingsley Ejike Nweake.
Others are: Camara Abdullahi, Aminu Kehinde, Bayo Adegoke Iyanuoluwa, Alao Kolawale Oluwaseun, Oloruntoba Oluwatosin Adeniyi, Idowu Philip Oluwaseun, Maiye Daniel Olasile, Oyelami Peter Oluwaseyi, Emmanuel Nsochukwu, Komolafe Tosin, Praise Izuagie, Umehidi Obinna, Olujulo Lucas Ifeoluwa, Omejeh Stanley, Latilo Tolu, Oluwaseun Akinrelere, and Great Onufomah.
Items recovered include exotic cars, 190 mobile phones, and 40 laptops, among others.
According to the EFCC, “the suspects have made useful statements to the EFCC and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
