EFCC denies igniting Kwara Poly protest

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims connecting its recent anti-fraud operation in Kwara State to protests at Kwara State Polytechnic.

In a statement released Thursday, the EFCC clarified that operatives from its Ilorin Zonal Directorate conducted a sting operation on Wednesday, March 24, targeting two buildings in Agbede Community suspected of internet-related fraud.

The raid resulted in the arrest of 30 suspects, including six students from Kwara State Polytechnic, along with eight vehicles, mobile phones, and laptops believed to be proceeds of crime.

Profiling confirmed the students’ involvement in fraud, the EFCC said.

However, the agency stressed that “the sting operation was not remotely connected to the Polytechnic. No entrance was made into the premises of the Institution and there was no disruption of any activity of the school.”

The commission rejected any association with student protests, calling it “untenable to link any protest by some students of the Polytechnic to the lawful operation of the EFCC. Any video in circulation linking students’ protest with the operation of the Commission is contrived and outright misrepresentation of the operation.”

EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, stating “the EFCC, for the umpteenth time, assures the public of the professionalism and integrity of its operations. All the channels of reporting unethical conduct of staff of the Commission remain open. The Commission will continue to work in the overall interests of Nigerians.”