The Ondo State Police Command has called for calm as youths took to the streets in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, to protest against alleged brutality by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
In the early hours of Saturday, EFCC operatives raided two nightclubs in Akure, arresting 127 youths accused of being internet fraudsters.
According to the protesters, EFCC operatives molested the youths, arrested some, and damaged property during the raid.
The protesters, carrying placards to voice their grievances, demanded justice for their friends.
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Ondo State, Saka Ogunleye, urged the youths to remain calm, assuring them that the government would address their concerns.
Meanwhile, the EFCC, in a statement on its official X handle, maintained that the 127 youths arrested were suspected internet fraudsters and denied any allegations of brutality or property damage during the operation
See full statement by the police:
10th of June, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
RE: EFFC STING OPERATIONS IN AKURE; ONDO POLICE COMMAND CALLS FOR PEACE.
The Command is inundated with complaints about the recent sting operations carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Akure the Ondo State capital and the controversies generated.
The Police on receipt of the information on the sting operations at about 0330hrs of 09/06/2024 made contact with relevant stakeholders to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order in the state.
The State Government and the Inspector-General of Police have been informed and are taking steps to ensure that all concerns are addressed without prejudice.
Thus, the Command calls for peace to allow relevant authorities look into the matter with a view to addressing the complaints and concerns of aggrieved residents.
The Command recognizes the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protest but this rights must be exercised without breach of public order and non infringement on the rights of other law abiding citizens, as the Police owe it a duty to protect the rights of all citizens and foreign nationals resident within or transiting through the State at all times.
We appeal to the good people of Ondo State especially the youths who claimed to have been adversely affected by the sting operation to act with restraint and comport themselves within the ambits of the laws of the land. While urging victims and their sympathizers to calm their frayed nerves and follow laid down procedures in channeling their complaints to appropriate authorities for possible redress and not embark on a self help mission that can lead to break down of law and order in the State.
