The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a raid at Goodwill School in Ikorodu, Lagos, leading to allegations of assault from the school’s management.
The EFCC’s action was based on a court-issued final forfeiture order obtained in January 2025, pertaining to a contractual dispute involving the school’s property. The management claimed that armed officers entered classrooms without prior notification, causing distress among students and staff. One student reportedly became so traumatized that she began vomiting. The acting Vice Principal, Olalekan Adewale, recounted that officers threatened to arrest him when he declined to sign a document without management’s consent, leading to further distress among teachers and students.
The school’s proprietor, Omoniyi Enikuomehin, accused the EFCC officials of forcibly evicting students and staff from the premises and attempting to detain the Vice Principal. He stated that the officers declared the school now belonged to the EFCC and threatened to arrest the Vice Principal when he refused to sign a letter without management’s authorization.
In response, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale denied any misconduct, asserting that the operation was lawful and that no assaults occurred. He explained that the property had been legally forfeited following due process, including public notices for any interested parties to contest the forfeiture. Oyewale emphasized that once a property is forfeited to the government, no business can be conducted there, and the officers merely informed the school of the property’s status without arresting or assaulting anyone.
This incident has sparked discussions about the EFCC’s operational methods, especially concerning allegations of human rights abuses during raids. Previous reports have highlighted concerns over the agency’s aggressive tactics, including arbitrary arrests and invasions without proper investigation. For instance, an investigation revealed that out of 58,165 cases investigated by the EFCC over five years, only about 19% led to convictions, raising questions about the effectiveness and legality of their methods.
The recent raid at Goodwill School adds to the ongoing debate about the balance between enforcing the law and respecting citizens’ rights, underscoring the need for transparency and adherence to legal protocols in such operations.
