The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vehemently condemned the recent mistreatment of women by officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a raid in Akure, Ondo State.
The raid, which targeted two nightclubs, resulted in the arrest of 127 individuals suspected of internet fraud.
In a statement signed by NANS Senate President, Akinteye Afeez, on Sunday, the students’ association called for immediate sanctions against the EFCC officers involved in the maltreatment of innocent women during the raid on Saturday, June 8. NANS also demanded a comprehensive review and adjustment of the EFCC’s operational procedures to prevent such abuses in the future.
“We acknowledge the need for the EFCC to combat cybercrime and uphold the rule of law. However, the breakdown of law and order witnessed during the raid is deeply concerning and unjust,” the statement read. “Despite our ongoing engagement with the EFCC command, we continue to observe a high rate of abuse against our citizens.
The EFCC should operate with intelligence and precision, targeting only those for whom they have concrete evidence, not innocent citizens who are merely trying to find joy amidst the challenging circumstances in our country.”
NANS emphasized that the EFCC’s primary duty is to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes, ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s financial systems and protecting the public from fraud and corruption. However, this mandate must be carried out with the utmost professionalism and respect for human rights.
“The EFCC must operate as a law enforcement agency, not as thieves and burglars who use excessive force and violate the rights of innocent citizens,” NANS stated. “The EFCC must employ more effective strategies to identify and apprehend suspects.
They possess the necessary information to focus their efforts on genuine criminals, rather than exploiting these operations to mistreat and violate the rights of the general populace. They must adhere to the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the dignity of every individual.”
NANS called for immediate sanctions against the officers involved in the mistreatment and urged the EFCC to engage in continuous training and development to enhance their investigative skills and ensure they conduct operations in line with international human rights standards.
The students’ body also stressed the importance of building public trust by demonstrating a commitment to justice and human rights, not by instilling fear and perpetuating abuse.
“We stand firmly against any form of human rights abuse and will continue to advocate for the protection and dignity of every Nigerian citizen,” the statement concluded.
 has vehemently condemned the recent mistreatment of women by officers of the){kind=link}