By Nurat Uthman
Youths in Akure, the Ondo state capital have protested the arrest of 127 persons, suspected to be internet fraudsters by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the weekend.
Recall that the security personnel raided two night clubs in the metropolis and arrested a groom to be and his friends who were at one of the clubs for a bachelors’ eve.
Vehicles, telephones and laptops belonging to the fun seekers were confiscated by the security personnel during the early morning sting operation.
The protesters stormed the major streets in Akure metropolis expressing their displeasure over the action of the anti-graft agency.
They marched to the governor’s office in Alagbaka to show their grievances and called for their release.
Speaking with newsmen, their leader, Oluwaseun Ogunmola, said the raid by the anti-graft agency was against its ban on night operation.
Ogunmola, however, demanded that those arrested and profiled as internet fraudsters in the Akure clubs should be released unconditionally.
Another leader, Tobi Akinnubi said; “In Nigeria now, youths cannot use phone, laptop, they can’t drive cars because EFCC sees them as fraudsters. Our ladies have taken away, do they committed 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.”
The protesters complained of brutality by EFCC personnel during the night raids.
The protesters were addressed by the state Secretary to the Government SSG, Tayo Oluwatuyi and the the youths and Sports Commissioner, Saka Yussuf- Ogunleye.
They informed the protesters that the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa,has waded into the matter and lauded them for their peaceful protest.
