The National Association Of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council (NANS-JCC), Ondo State Chapter has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release all students illegally detained following the raid on their hostels.
The students body, who acknowledged the importance of combating financial crimes and other illegal activities, decried the indiscriminate arrest and detention of innocent students, which they said “is a grave injustice and a violation of their fundamental rights.”
In a statement jointly signed by Acting Chairman and General Secretary, Comrades Salami Rosheed and Cyprian Ihedi, respectively, NANS-JCC warned that if the students were not immediately released, they would have no choice than mobilise students to occupy EFCC offices.
“It has come to our attention that a number of Nigerian students were unjustly detained during a recent raid conducted by the EFCC in the student areas of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
“While we acknowledge the importance of combating financial crimes and illegal activities, we strongly believe that the indiscriminate arrest and detention of innocent students is a grave injustice and a violation of their fundamental rights,” said the students body.
NANS-JCC reminded the Chairman of EFCC that the recent activities of his men were in contrast with his avowed pledge to stop all midnight mass raids during his swearing by President Bola Tinubu. “It is with great distress that we report the gross misconduct and infringement of the rights of our students during the raid.
“Numerous students, including female students, were subjected to a highly invasive and traumatic experience, being caught unaware and forced to face the EFCC officials while in various states of undress. This blatant disregard for their privacy and dignity is both unacceptable and deeply disturbing.
“Also reports have come to light that some medical patients residing in the hostel, who require special care and attention, were subjected to assault and unnecessary distress during the raid. This not only jeopardizes their well-being but also demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and consideration for individuals who are already vulnerable due to their medical conditions.
“Therefore, we hereby request, in the strongest terms, that the EFCC promptly and unconditionally releases all Nigerian students who were detained during the raid in the FUTA student areas, provided their cases have no direct connection to any proven financial crimes. We implore you to consider the negative impact this situation has on the students’ lives, their families, and the entire educational system.
“Failure to heed our appeal with immediate effect, will leave us with no choice but to mobilize our members and relocate our Secretariat to your office premises.
“We will peacefully protest and stage demonstrations that will undoubtedly disrupt the normal functioning of your organization. Additionally, we will be compelled to explore all necessary legal avenues to seek justice for our unlawfully detained colleagues.”
The students body expressed their total belief in the rule of law hold the EFCC in high regard as an institution committed to upholding justice and fairness.
“We trust that you will act swiftly to address this matter and ensure the immediate release of the detained students. By doing so, you will not only restore their rights but also demonstrate the EFCC’s commitment to fairness and justice.”
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