EFCC Denies Connection Between Kwara Poly Student Protest and Anti-Fraud Operation
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly distanced itself from a recent protest staged by students of Kwara State Polytechnic, asserting that the demonstration was not motivated by its anti-fraud activities in the area. According to reports, the students organized the protest following a raid conducted by EFCC operatives from the Ilorin Zonal Directorate on Wednesday, March 24, 2026, which led to widespread agitation among the student body.
Details of the EFCC Sting Operation
In an official statement released on Thursday, the EFCC provided clarity on the operation, explaining that its personnel executed a targeted sting in two buildings located within the Agbede Community in Ilorin, Kwara State. These structures had been flagged for suspected involvement in internet-related fraud. The operation culminated in the arrest of 30 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud, with six of those apprehended identified as students enrolled at Kwara State Polytechnic.
The profiling of these students revealed that all six were actively participating in internet fraud activities. Additionally, the anti-graft agency recovered eight vehicles believed to be proceeds of criminal activities, along with numerous mobile phones and laptops from the suspects during the raid.
EFCC Emphasizes No Campus Involvement
The EFCC stressed that the sting operation was entirely unrelated to the Polytechnic institution, highlighting that no entry was made onto the school premises and that there was no disruption to any academic or administrative activities. The commission reiterated that it is unreasonable to associate any student protest with its lawful enforcement actions. It further cautioned against misleading videos circulating online that attempt to link the protest to the EFCC's operation, describing such content as fabricated and a gross misrepresentation of the events.
In its statement, the EFCC reassured the public of its commitment to professionalism and integrity in all operations. The agency reminded citizens that all channels for reporting unethical conduct by its staff remain accessible and operational. The EFCC affirmed its dedication to continuing its work in the broader interests of Nigerians, upholding the rule of law and combating financial crimes effectively.
