On Saturday, officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested a campus journalist and several students from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), following a raid, according to a report by FIJ.
The EFCC operatives targeted hostels such as Kwakwalawa, Gidan Yaro, and Dandima, located off-campus, apprehending a large number of students.
One journalist, who requested anonymity, recounted that his roommate woke him around 5 a.m. to inform him that EFCC agents had entered their hostel.
“At some minutes past 5 a.m., my roommate alerted me to the presence of EFCC officers in our estate. I didn’t flee because I knew I wasn’t involved in any criminal activity,” the reporter said to FIJ.
“Everyone in our hostel was arrested and taken to their office. They searched our phones, but there was no physical assault,” he continued.
“They confiscated my phone, reviewed my emails, bank apps, crypto wallets, and WhatsApp chats, and interrogated me briefly. By 1 p.m., they released some of us.”
Another student, Abdulmalik Abdulkadir, told FIJ that the officers examined his messaging apps and bank accounts, persistently asking if he had any incriminating data.
“They questioned me for a few minutes after searching my phone. Sixteen students from my hostel were arrested, and overall, I counted over 46 students detained from various locations,” Abdulkadir said.
While some students, including the journalist and Abdulkadir, were released, others remained in custody.
“Some students are still detained, with EFCC suspecting them of being involved in cybercrime,” Abdulkadir added.
Both students confirmed that no money was extorted from them before their release.
The EFCC has been known for conducting overnight raids on student residences and businesses, targeting those suspected of cybercrime involvement.
When FIJ reached out to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale at 9:56 a.m., he promised to verify with the Sokoto office but had not provided an update or responded to further calls as of press time.
