The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the reported brutalization of students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) during a recent raid on student lounges in the town. NANS expressed deep concern over the manner in which the EFCC operatives conducted the raid, describing it as a violation of the rights of the affected students.
In a statement issued by its Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, NANS emphasized that while it recognizes the importance of combating financial crimes and illegal activities, the indiscriminate arrest and detention of innocent students is a grave injustice and a violation of their fundamental rights. The organization acknowledged the need for the EFCC to combat cybercrime and uphold the rule of law, but it strongly condemned the breakdown of law and order witnessed during the raid.
NANS highlighted the ongoing engagement with the EFCC Command and expressed concern over the high rate of abuse against its members. The organization stressed that the EFCC should operate with intelligence and precision, targeting only those for whom they have concrete evidence, rather than subjecting innocent citizens to mistreatment.
The primary duty of the EFCC is to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes, ensuring the integrity of financial systems and protecting the public from fraud and corruption. NANS emphasized that this mandate must be carried out with the utmost professionalism and respect for human rights. The organization called for immediate sanctions against the erring officers involved in the maltreatment of innocent students during the raid and demanded a thorough review and adjustment of the EFCC's operational procedures to prevent such abuses from recurring.
Furthermore, NANS urged the EFCC to engage in continuous training and development for its officers to enhance their investigative skills and ensure that their operations align with international human rights standards. The organization emphasized the importance of building public trust by demonstrating a commitment to justice and human rights, rather than instilling fear and perpetuating abuse.
The recent incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with NANS standing firmly against any form of human rights abuse and advocating for the protection and dignity of every Nigerian citizen.
The EFCC's actions have raised significant concerns and prompted a strong response from NANS, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the imperative of upholding human rights and justice in all law enforcement operations.
The condemnation of the EFCC's treatment of FUTA students by NANS underscores the urgent need for accountability and adherence to human rights standards in law enforcement operations. The organization's call for immediate sanctions and a thorough review of operational procedures reflects the gravity of the situation and the imperative of upholding justice and human rights.
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