Fear Spreads in AAU as EFCC Raid Forces Students into Hiding

Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, have fled campus en masse following a raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The operation, which took place on February 15, 2025, targeted student-populated areas and has since left the university community in a state of panic.

The once-bustling streets of Ekpoma are now eerily quiet, with many students going into hiding. A student, Chioma, described the campus as unusually empty, noting a drastic reduction in movement. “Since the raid, the streets are virtually empty. During lecture hours, the majority of students seen around are those residing in the school hostels,” she said.

EFCC operatives reportedly stormed areas such as Ihimudumu, Poultry, and G1 and G2 streets, which are known for their high student population. The reason for the raid remains unclear, with conflicting reports on its motive. Some sources claim it was linked to a fraud syndicate accused of scamming victims out of ₦1.4 billion. Others suggest the EFCC acted after a viral video showed students celebrating their final-year exams in a lavish display, featuring an extravagant motorcade, sirens, money spraying, and road blockades.

The university management had previously condemned the excessive celebrations and took disciplinary action by nullifying all final-year examinations written on January 29, 2025, rescheduling them for a later date.

In an update on its official X platform, the EFCC confirmed that 47 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested during the operation. “Items recovered from the suspects include 14 exotic cars, laptops, and mobile phones,” the commission stated. It added that those detained had provided useful information and would be charged to court once investigations are complete.