There was an uproar at the Federal College of Forestry, Jericho, Ibadan, on Tuesday, as students reportedly locked up officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reports about the cause of this incident remain unclear, with conflicting narratives emerging. One source claimed that the EFCC operatives had come to the college to accused and arrest students suspected of internet fraud. Meanwhile, another account indicated that they had been lured into the hostel by a suspect under investigation.
However, it was confirmed that the students took matters into their own hands, detaining the EFCC officials and barricading them within the hostel. They also mobilized to resist any attempts to release the officials.
Unable to exit, the EFCC operatives called for police assistance. Witnesses reported that the police arrived and fired warning shots into the air to disperse the agitated students and secure the release of the detained EFCC officials.
A second source claimed that the suspect being pursued by the EFCC falsely posed as a staff member of the college, leading the operatives into the student hostel. This caused confusion and panic among the students, leading to chaos on the college grounds with sound of gunshots.
Thankfully, the school authorities eventually stepped in, mediating between the students and the detained EFCC operatives. A resolution was reached, and the EFCC officials were invited to a meeting in the school boardroom. However, the suspect being sought took advantage of the commotion to escape, further confounding the anti-graft operatives.