Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has dismissed claims that a recent “sting operation” in Ilorin was the catalyst for student protests at the Kwara State Polytechnic.
The agency confirmed that while 30 suspected “internet fraudsters” were arrested on Wednesday, the operation took place in a residential community and not on the school’s campus.
Key Facts of the Raid
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate targeted two specific buildings in the Agbede Community following intelligence reports regarding cybercrime activities.
Arrests: 30 individuals were taken into custody.
Student Involvement: Officials confirmed that six of those arrested are students at Kwara State Polytechnic.
Evidence Seized: Investigators recovered eight vehicles, mobile phones, and laptops suspected to be “proceeds of crime.”
“Contrived” Narrative
In a statement addressing social media reports, the EFCC clarified that the arrests were “not remotely connected” to the institution itself.”No entrance was made into the premises of the institution, and there was no disruption of any activity of the school,” the commission stated. The agency further described videos circulating online—which link the operation to student unrest—as a “misrepresentation” of the facts. They maintained that the profiling of the six arrested students showed they were “actively involved” in fraudulent activities, independent of their academic status.
Context of “Yahoo Yahoo” Crackdowns
The EFCC has faced increasing scrutiny over its methods during raids on suspected cybercriminals, often referred to locally as “Yahoo boys.”However, the commission re-emphasised its commitment to “professionalism and integrity,” urging the public to use official channels to report any perceived unethical conduct by its staff.
Add Comment