AFRICA

Protest in Ondo State Over EFCC’s Invasion Of Night Clubs

Angry youths on Monday protested over invasion of two night clubs in Akure the Ondo State capital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Officials of the Anti-Corruption agency, (EFCC) had in the early hours of Saturday raided two hotels and event venues located in the Alagbaka area of Akure, and arrested 127 suspects.

However, the invasion did not go down well with some youths who trooped out in large number to protest against the action of the anti-graft agency.

The youths who carried placards with various inscriptions converged at the First Bank roundabout and matched to the governor’s office to register their displeasure.

Oluwaseun Ogunmola, who spoke with journalists during the protest said the raid by the anti-graft agency was in defiance of its ban on night operation.

Ogunmola, however, demanded that those arrested and profiled as internet fraudsters in the Akure clubs should be released unconditionally.

Also, Tobi Akinnubi said; “In Nigeria now, youths cannot use phone, laptop, they can’t drive cars because EFCC sees them as fraudsters. Our ladies were taken away, did they committ any offense? This is purely brutality. Enough is enough and we must put an end to this.

“We demand justice on this actions, the Federal Government should please look into this case because we can’t continue like this.”

Others who spoke alleged EFCC of brutality during the night raids.

Besides, the state Police Command has called for peace to allow relevant authorities look into the matter with a view to addressing the complaints and concerns of aggrieved residents.

A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya said 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.”

Fidelis David in Akure