Dare Babalola
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims linking its recent enforcement operation in Ilorin, Kwara State, to a protest by students of Kwara State Polytechnic, describing such reports as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, the anti-graft agency clarified that its operatives from the Ilorin Zonal Directorate conducted a targeted sting operation at Agbede Community in Ilorin on Wednesday, March 24, 2026.
According to the Commission, the operation was carried out in two buildings identified and flagged for suspected internet-related fraud activities. The raid led to the arrest of 30 suspected internet fraudsters.
“Operatives carried out a sting operation within two buildings flagged for suspected internet-related fraud. The operation yielded the arrest of 30 suspects,” the EFCC stated.
The agency disclosed that among those arrested were six students of Kwara State Polytechnic, noting that preliminary profiling confirmed their active involvement in internet fraud.
“The profiling of the students showed that all the six are actively involved in internet fraud,” the statement added.
In addition to the arrests, the EFCC said several items believed to be proceeds of crime were recovered during the operation, including eight vehicles, mobile phones, and laptops.
The Commission, however, strongly refuted claims that the operation had any connection with activities within the polytechnic or that it triggered the student protest.
“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 academic activity,” the EFCC said.
It further described as false and contrived any videos or narratives suggesting that the protest by students was a direct response to its operation.
“Any video in circulation linking students’ protest with the operation of the Commission is contrived and an outright misrepresentation,” it added.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the EFCC assured the public of the professionalism and integrity of its operations, while encouraging citizens to report any misconduct by its personnel through established channels.
“The Commission will continue to work in the overall interest of Nigerians, and all channels for reporting unethical conduct remain open,” the statement concluded.
