NANS Criticizes EFCC Raid on FUTA, Demands Justice and Due Process

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its disapproval of the way the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) treated some students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) during their raids on various student residences in the city.

NANS views the actions of the anti-corruption agency’s operatives as a violation of the students’ rights.

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In a statement released on Sunday by its Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, the student organization criticized the June 7 raid, in which 127 students, both male and female, were apprehended, as showing a disregard for due process and justice. While NANS recognizes the EFCC’s role in fighting cybercrime and upholding the rule of law, it finds the disorder that occurred during the raid deeply troubling and unfair.

Despite their ongoing dialogue with the EFCC Command, NANS continues to report a high incidence of abuse against their members. NANS insists that the EFCC should conduct its operations with intelligence and precision, focusing only on those against whom they have solid evidence, rather than innocent citizens who are merely trying to find happiness amidst the country’s challenging circumstances.

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"The EFCC’s primary responsibility is to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes, ensuring the integrity of our financial systems and protecting the public from fraud and corruption. However, this mandate must be executed with the highest level of professionalism and respect for human rights. The EFCC must function as a law enforcement agency, not as thieves and burglars who use excessive force and infringe on the rights of innocent citizens", NANS stated.

It further added, "The EFCC must adopt more effective strategies to identify and arrest suspects. They have the necessary information to concentrate their efforts on real criminals, rather than using these operations to mistreat and violate the rights of the general public. They must adhere to the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the dignity of every individual."

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"We demand immediate sanctions against the officers involved in the mistreatment of innocent women during this raid. We also call for a comprehensive review and modification of the EFCC’s operational procedures to prevent such abuses in the future."

"Furthermore, we encourage the EFCC to provide ongoing training and development for their officers to improve their investigative skills and ensure their operations comply with international human rights standards. The agency must earn public trust by demonstrating a commitment to justice and human rights, not by instilling fear and perpetuating abuse."

We are firmly opposed to any form of human rights abuse and will continue to advocate for the protection and dignity of every Nigerian citizen," stated NANS.